Château Léoville Barton, 2ème Cru Classé, St Julien, 2023

The 2023 Leoville Barton is deep garnet-purple in color. It features fragrant scents of violets, fertile loam, and rose oil leading to a core of redcurrant jelly, cassis, and licorice with a touch of cardamom. The medium-bodied palate is tense and tightly wound at this youthful stage, like a taut spring ready to pop. Firm, fine-grained tannins and a racy backbone adeptly support the vibrant fruit, finishing long and perfumed. The blend is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc, aged in barriques, 60% new.

DRINKING WINDOW 2029 - 2050

date of review 05/2024

Step into the heart of what St Julien does best here, firm and muscular but thoroughly juicy tannins, concentrated blackberry and cassis fruits that are mature but full of finesse, with just the right amount of precision and tension. This is a wine where a single glass will not be enough, and reminds you that in 2022 the wines were exceptional but atypical for many Bordeaux lovers. Here you get an understated gloriously drinkable St Julien from long-term owners the Barton family that will go the distance. 60% new oak for ageing.

DRINKING WINDOW 2033 - 2048

date of review 05/2024

The 2023 Léoville Barton was picked from September 12 to October 2 and aged in 60% new oak. This takes a long time to settle in the glass, unfolding with black fruit, wild mint and a subtle seaweed scent. This Saint-Julien gains cohesion with aeration—a bit of pep. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. A touch of dark chocolate infuses the black fruit, harmonious with a patina of new oak that will integrate with time. This is classic Léoville Barton from tip to toe, and whilst it does not match the imperious 2022, it is a very impressive follow-up due to its interwoven elegance.

DRINKING WINDOW 2030 - 2055

date of review 04/2024