1970 Leoville Barton
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Tasting notes
Next came a 1970 Léoville Barton. Predating Anthony Barton, this was not an auspicious era for one of my favourite Saint-Julien estates. With rusty old nails on the nose and a touch of chlorophyll, this lacks the cohesion of its peers. The palate is better with decent weight, surprisingly sweet (maybe chaptalized?) fruit, nice balance, yet far away from what you would call a complex wine. I wonder if there are superior examples out there.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
It seems that Barton excels in dry, hot years such as 1970. Deep ruby with an amber edge, the wine is rich and full on the palate, with excellent concentration, a full-intensity bouquet of black currants and cedar wood, and moderate tannins. A ripe wine that is now ready to drink, this muscular, larger-scaled Leoville should continue to age well. Anticipated maturity: Now-2000. Last tasted, 6/88.
It seems that Barton excels in dry, hot years such as 1970. Deep ruby with an amber edge, the wine is rich and full on the palate, with excellent concentration, a full-intensity bouquet of black currants and cedar wood, and moderate tannins. A ripe wine that is now ready to drink, this muscular, larger-scaled Leoville should continue to age well. Anticipated maturity: Now-2000. Last tasted, 6/88. Jan 1998, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
Ch. Léoville Barton is a Second Growth Saint-Julien estate, one of the three famous Léoville estates (along with Léoville Poyferré and Léoville Las Cases). Owned by the Barton family (along with Ch. Langoa Barton), it produces classically structured Claret that ages beautifully.