Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
3l * 13.0% ABV * Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France
The Barton family's passion for wine is reflected in the elegance and consistency of Château Léoville Barton. This estate was classified as a 2nd Grand Cru Classé in 1855 and lies within the iconic terroir of Saint Julien in the Médoc. The vineyard is located in the heart of the terroir of St Julien. On one of the most beautiful hilltops of Garonne gravel, facing the Gironde, the clay-gravelly subsoil makes it possible to perfectly regulate the vagaries of the weather throughout the year. Plowing is traditional, without weeding or herbicide.
Always the epitome of Saint Julien and the ultimate "Englishman's Claret". The Barton family traditions continue with Lilian at the helm and her son Damian now taking an active role too. They believe the 2016 to be on a par with 2009, 2010 and 2015. Pairs beautifully with beef, steak, cheese, chocolate or charcuterie.
"Intense ruby colour, the nose reveals vivid notes of black fruits (black cherry, blackcurrant, blueberry) with a touch of ink. The mouth is ample, powerful and you feel the freshness of the red fruits. The tannins are delicate with a long finish.." - Chateau Leoville Barton
Drinking window: Now - 2050
"A brilliant young wine, the 2016 Léoville Barton unwinds in the glass with aromas of cassis, dark berries and cigar box mingled with subtle hints of loamy soil. Medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, it's seamless and exquisitely balanced, with beautifully refined tannins, bright acids and a long, penetrating finish. Its structural refinement is such that it's far from forbidding to open right now, yet patience will be richly rewarded. Drink 2026-2066." 97pts, William Kelley, Wine Advocate (Cellar 33), August 2022
"The 2016 Léoville-Barton has a more savory bouquet than its peers: again, slightly tertiary in style, though very well delineated and manifesting lovely incense and pressed violet aromas with aeration. The oak is neatly integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, fleshy and ripe, and gently grippy, leading to a detailed and quite plush (for the vintage) finish. This is a charming Saint-Julien, a bit of a femme fatale. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting. 2022 - 2040" 95pts, Neal Martin, vinous.com, August 2020
"Tight and chewy with a solid tannin structure and depth of fruit. Full body and lots of depth and texture. A Barton with lots happening already. Develops beautifully on the palate. Should be better than the 2015." 97 Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com, March 2021
"Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Léoville Barton simply sings of crushed black cherries, blackcurrant cordial and wild blueberries with touches of violets, dark chocolate, allspice and cardamom with a waft of stewed tea. Full-bodied, rich and decadently fruited in the mouth, the generous fruit has a solid structure of firm, ripe, grainy tannins and oodles of freshness, finishing long and layered." 95-96 points, James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, March 2017
"The 2016 Leoville Barton is deep garnet-colored. It charges out of the gate with powerful notes of blackcurrant pastilles, stewed plums, and blueberry compote, followed by wafts of lilacs, dark chocolate, and licorice. Medium-bodied, the palate is built like a brick house with a solid wall of firm, grainy tannins and lovely tension supporting the taut, muscular black fruits, finishing long with fantastic purity of fruit." 96pts, Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent, December 2023
"Restrained but textured, a confident delivery of lashings of cassis, bilberry and blackberry fruits. This is an exceptional Léoville-Barton that sacrifices none of its St-Julien signature while delivering a powerful, beautifully sculpted wine. This is a total triumph, my favourite for years at this property.
Drinking Window 2027 - 2050" 96pts, Jane Anson, Decanter.com, April 2017
"Tasted blind. Full, rich, intense, almost fruit cake on the nose. Racy and pacy with the tannins well hidden.
Drink 2026 – 2044" 17.5pts, Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, February 2020