I found this to be one of the more backward wines of the 2000 vintage and gave it a window of maturity of 2015-2040 when I reviewed it in 2003. In my two recent tastings of it, I changed that window to 2018-2050, which probably says more than the following tasting note could say. This is a behemoth – dense, highly extracted, very tannic, broodingly backward, with a dense purple color and very little evolution since it was bottled 8 years ago. Wonderfully sweet cedar and fruitcake notes are intermixed with hints of creme de cassis, licorice, and earthy forest floor. It is full-bodied and tannic, with everything in place, but like so many wines that come from Leoville Barton, it makes a mockery of many modern-day consumers wanting a wine for immediate gratification. Those who bought it should continue to exercise patience and be proud to own a wonderful classic with five decades of longevity ahead of it.

Robert Parker (Wine Advocate #189, Jun 2010)

On the firm, tannic, stoic side, the wine remains stubbornly youthful. Even at 20, the tannins are strict. Once the tannins subside, there is a wealth of concentrated, ripe, juicy, fresh, crisp Cabernet Sauvignon with real staying power. But this wine demands at least another decade in the cellar before it moves into its prime time drinking window. Those that prefer old-school classic Bordeaux should be all over this wine. Tasted Nov 2020

Tasted blind at Bordeaux Index’s 2000 tasting in London. Ripe blackberry, raspberry, fruitcake and mulberry on the nose, more primal than others 2000s, developing touches of leather and Provencal herbs (white fennel) with time. The palate has a chewy entry, spicy and peppery, very attacking but perhaps a little ostentatious? Spiky, spicy black fruits, touches of marjoram and cardamom. Dry and tobacco dominated towards the finish, moderate length. It lacks some focus for the first ten minutes but coalesces and tidies itself up. Drink 2012-2030. Tasted March 2010.

– eRobertParker.com, Sept 2010

Dark crimson. Very solid and savoury on the nose. Essence of St James's Street?! Lots of mass here and something really very promising even if it is far from its full realisation. Bravo!
JR - March 2010