In Bond Fine Wine. 2020 Château Leoville Barton, Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France. Second Growth • Red Bordeaux in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 95/100 (NM). Drinking window: 2027–2060. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
Chateau Leoville Barton is one of the most respected Second Growth estates in Bordeaux with a rich history dating back to 1826 when it was acquired by the Barton family—making it one of the few Bordeaux estates still in the hands of its founding family. The estate has built a reputation for producing classically styled, long-lived Saint Julien wines that embody the structure and restraint typical of the appellation. Originally part of the Leoville estate until it was divided into three, the 50-hectare vineyard sits on deep gravel soils. Leoville Barton is known for its consistent quality, traditional winemaking approach, and impressive value relative to its quality & Second Growth status. Recent standout vintages include 2010, 2016, 2019, and 2022, which stand out for their balance, depth, and ageworthy character. Today, the estate is managed by Damien Barton, continuing the family lega…
Jeb Dunnuck (JD) — 97/100 · JebDunnuck.com, 29/03/2023 · Drink 2030-2070
The flagship from this great chateau, the 2020 Chateau Leoville Barton checks in as 85.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14.5% Merlot that saw 60% new French oak. It has fabulous aromatics of creme de cassis, graphite, liquid violets, spring flowers, and background oak. Full-bodied and concentrated on the palate, its purity of fruit is just about off the chart, it has a great mid-palate, and enough tanni…
Jeb Dunnuck (JD) — 95–97/100 · JebDunnuck.com, 25/05/2021
Deep purple ' almost blue ' in color, the 2020 Chateau Leoville Barton offers up an exotic, vibrant, perfumed nose that carries loads of pure cassis fruit interwoven with violets, sappy green herbs, and floral aromatics. Rich, medium to full-bodied, and concentrated, this thick, chewy, powerful Saint-Julien has good acidity, building, firm, yet ripe tannins, and a great finish. My money is on thi…
Antonio Galloni (AG) — 96/100 · Vinous, 23/02/2023 · Drink 2030-2060
The 2020 Leoville Barton is compelling. It offers up a gorgeous mix of vintage 2020 intensity married to the classicism Leoville-Barton have come to expect. Blackberry, graphite, dried herbs, menthol and dark spice abound. Whereas so many Saint-Juliens are exuberant in 2020, Leoville-Barton is very much buttoned up, showing just a twinkle of mischief that lets you know the best is yet to come.