Bordeaux 2020: The Barton Trinity
18 May 2021
Few wines command such reverence and loyalty amongst their followers. Generations of collectors have flocked to Leoville Barton for their go-to quintessential claret. In recent years, under the stewardship of Lilian and her son Damien, the wines have acquired a more refined and cerebral style. The vineyards in the heart of St Julien produce powerful, muscular wines, and with recent technical developments, Leoville Barton now offers complexity, concentration and grand-scale, luxuriant tannins. It’s the perfect expression of classicism combined with modern polished winemaking. Jancis Robinson was “bowled over” as were we. We loved the intensity and purity of fruit, coupled with the regal tannins – this is a proper vin de garde.
Langoa Barton is also on a hot streak. There’s a real generosity and charm to the fruit that is most alluring. At £179.00 per six, this is likely to be one of the best value classified growths. And completing the trio, we have the Barton family’s property in Moulis, Mauvesin Barton. Lilian’s daughter, Mélanie has really elevated the quality here, particularly the tannin management. The 2020 is pure, juicy and very drinkable… Read More
Leoville Barton
“A full-bodied red that builds on the palate with lots of blackberry and blueberry character, as well as chocolate. Mineral and graphite undertones. Chewy, yet very integrated. Excellent, as expected. 96-97/100” – James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
“Lustrous purple. Minerally, stony, saline nose. Really remarkably opulent on palate entry which almost distracts from those massive tannins underneath. There's just a suggestion of vintage port tannins here (not the sweetness). Very fine winemaking indeed. I have to admit I was tempted to swallow this, it was so majestic. I don't remember being as bowled over by a Léoville Barton at this early stage before. Lovely, confident, persistent finish. Such grace! 13.6%. Drink 2030 – 2055. 18/20” – Jancis Robinson MW, jancisrobinson.com
Langoa Barton
“Very pretty blackberry and blueberry character with blackcurrants and mint. It’s medium-to full-bodied with linear, tight tannins that are polished and fine. 93-94/100” – James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
“Healthy deep purplish crimson. High-toned, fully ripe nose that is rather seductive before a glossy, polished-tannin dry finish. Promises well for the future while being relatively charming even now. Not the most concentrated 2020 but everything is in balance. Well done. Sappy, dry finish. Very St-Julien. Some restraint despite the initial seduction. 13.5%. Drink 2028 – 2046. 17/20” – Jancis Robinson MW, jancisrobinson.com