critic reviews
Softened plum in colour, still very closed on the aromatics but there's no hiding the quality underneath, chocolate drops, blueberry, damson, confident architecture packed with chalky tannins. A big vintage that needs more time. 60% new oak barrels for ageing, harvest 28 September to 8 October.
Two bottles of the 2010 Léoville Barton were opened, the first showing just a little oxidation, the second thankfully fresher although maybe not quite as representative as I would like. Black fruit, earthy scents and touches of undergrowth come through. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, plenty of graphite infused black fruit, but it feels a little blunt on the finish and does not quite convey the length of its peers. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal.
The 2010 Leoville Barton is deep garnet in color, and the nose is a little tired, with notes of stewed plums and dried cherries over hints of balsamic, tobacco, spice box and fried herbs. The medium to full-bodied palate has a solid backbone of firm, chewy tannins and plenty of freshness supporting the mature fruit, finishing spicy.