2023 Chateau Leoville Barton - 2eme Cru Classe St. Julien

Falstaff Magazin – 95 pts - PM: *Tiefdunkles Rubingranat, opaker Kern, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung. Feine Kräuterwürze, Cassis, dunkle Herzkirschen, florale Nuancen, kandierte Orangenzesten sind unterlegt. Saftiger Körper, rote Kirschen, feine Tannine, frisch strukturiert, mineralisch und anhaftend, finessenreicher, trinkanimierender Stil, zeigt Länge und Potenzial, ein leichtfüßig und delikat wirkender Wein.* - 05/2024

Vinum Magazin – 96/100 pts: *Wie oft ein Duft voller Noblesse, verspielt, verführerisch, dunkle Beeren, Kirschen, mineralisch unterlegt; zupackend am Gaumen, sensationelle Gerbstoffqualität, der Wein zeigt Spannung und viel Eleganz, dicht, dabei federleicht, hervorragende Länge. Eine Grazie.*

WeinWisser – 19/20 pts – GL, TW: *87 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 10 % Merlot, 3 % Cabernet Franc, 13 Vol.-%, 50 hl/ha. Verführerisches, dichtes blaubeeriges Bouquet, Lakritze, Veilchen, Heidelbeerdrops und Brasil-Tabak. Am komplexen Gaumen mit seidiger Textur, balancierter Rasse, engmaschigem Tanningerüst und geradlinigem Körper, sehr tiefgründig. Im konzentrierten, nicht enden wollenden Finale edle Cassiswürze, Flieder und tiefschürfende dunkle Mineralik. Ein unheimlich eleganter St. Julien, der durch Präzision und Energie überzeugt. Viermal verkostet, auf dem Weingut zücke ich die höhere Note.* – 04/2024

JancisRobinson.com – 17,5/20pts – JL: *87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Cask sample. Majors on the Cabernet. Deep, dark and for the moment subdued. Layered fruit on the palate. Suave texture and tannins. Plenty of persistence. Ageing potential here.* - 04/2024

Vinous.com – (93-95) pts – AG: *The 2023 Léoville-Barton marries the classicism the château is so well-known for with an extra kick of textural intensity from the heat of the year. It’s powerful, dark and serious, with compelling notes of black cherry, lavender, spice and blackberry. This is an especially dense, somber Léoville-Barton endowed with tremendous presence. The blend is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc, the first time Franc has appeared in the blend. This will need time to soften, as the tannins are imposing. Tasted two times.* - 04/2024

Vinous.com – (92-94) pts – NM: *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.* - 04/2024

Thewinecellarinsider.com – (93-95) pts – JL: *Black cherries, mint, cigar box, flowers, and cassis form the core of the perfume here. On the palate, the concentrated wine offers a big, chewy mouthful of black currants, spice, peppery herbs, and sea-salt. The finish has real staying power. The wine is the quintessential description of a modern version of a classic vintage. The wine is a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc, 13% ABV. The harvest took place September 9 - October 2. The length of picking is the key to the success of the vintage here. Drink from 2028-2060.* - 05/2024