2008 Château Léoville Barton
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Tasting notes
One of only three estates (and two owners, as the Bartons had owned both this and Langoa Barton for three decades by 1855) to be part of the same family now as at the time of the ranking, this is an essential estate to include in any commemorative tasting. Hugh Barton was the family member who ushered in its 2nd Growth status, and this 2008 more than bears out why it deserved it. Approaching its third decade, and in a vintage that was good but not sterling, this is still muscular, and benefits from a short carafe. 70% new oak, Hugh Barton 1855.
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Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
A fresh, elegant, incredibly classic wine from this estate, the 2008 Léoville Barton shows the concentrated yet focused, masculine style of the vintage. Ample graphite, cassis, violets, and cedarwood notes all flow to a medium-bodied Saint-Julien that has good acidity, present tannins, and terrific purity of fruit. It offers pleasure today, in a firm, classical sense, yet needs another 4-5 years of bottle age to hit maturity and will cruise for another 25+ years.
Tasted blind. Burnished nose with lots of layers and depth. Very dry and ambitious and not nearly ready. (JR)
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.