Chateau Leoville Barton - St.-Julien 2016 (Pre-arrival)

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In 1826 Hugh Barton, already owner of Château Langoa Barton, purchased part of the vineyards of the big Léoville estate which then was renamed Château Léoville Barton. The property still belongs to the Barton family; it is classified as a second growth and is situated in the heart of the appellation Saint Julien. The current owners believe very much in the importance of “terroir” and consequently produce an authentic Saint Julien wine of great finesse and perfect balance avoiding the trend of excessive extraction and extreme alcohol. Today, Lilian Barton-Sartorius represents the 9th generation and the most ancient family still owner of their property since the classification of 1855.

Wine Spectator: 97 Points

This is so vivid as it brims with pastis-soaked plum, blackberry, black currant and blueberry paste flavors, all carried by a perfectly integrated brambly spine. Tar and ganache notes give the finish an extra kick while everything stays within the mouthwatering roasted apple wood frame. Both regal and rambunctious, this is St.-Julien to a T. Best from 2025 through 2040. 11,667 cases made.

James Suckling: 97 Points

Terrific intensity of dark berries, almost peppery blackcurrants and violets with attractive and integrated, spicy oak and an earthy edge. The palate has a super powerful and long, linear core with plenty of fruit flesh strapped in tight for a long and thrilling ride into the finish. A blend of 86 per cent cabernet and 14 per cent merlot. Try from 2024.

Jeb Dunnuck: 96 Points

Deep purple-colored and a classic Saint-Julien with its pure crème de cassis, graphite, liquid rock, and essence of lead pencil shavings, the 2016 Château Léoville Barton is full-bodied, concentrated, and backward, with bright acidity and ripe yet certainly present and building tannins. This old-school, classic Léoville Barton has a fine thread of acidity keeping the wine focused and fresh. It’s a beauty, but mostly potential at this point, although it does have beautiful fruit. Savvy readers will hide bottles at the back of their cellar, and I wouldn’t start to think about opening bottles for a least a decade. It’s going to be incredibly long-lived. The blend of the 2016 is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Merlot, brought up in 60% new French oak.

Wine Enthusiast: 96 Points

The Barton family's flagship wine benefits hugely from the age of the vines. This wine is ripe and concentrated, rich in tannins but with the wonderful black fruits that can be conjured from this vineyard. It will age well and is likely to be ready to drink from 2026.

Wine Advocate: 95 Points

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Leoville Barton delivers a superstar nose of crème de cassis, plum preserves and blueberry compote with suggestions of fragrant earth, unsmoked cigars, licorice and cedar chest. Medium to full-bodied, rich and seductive with firm yet velvety tannins, it has a decadently rich finish.