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.

The 2008 Léoville Barton has a lovely, heart-warming bouquet of ripe blackberry and cedar, touches of graphite, precise and supremely well focused. Classic Barton. The palate is medium-bodied, fresh and lively with impressive density; structured with a firm backbone on the graphite-tinged and tensile finish that suggests that it deserves another 3-4 years in bottle. Excellent. (Tasted at BI Wine & Spirit’s annual 10-Year On tasting.)

– vinous.com, Feb 2018

Bright ruby. Sexy, ripe nose combines cassis, Cuban cigar tobacco, licorice and minerals. Sweet, tactile and intense, with concentrated, sharply delineated flavors of dark fruits and minerals. Densely packed, ripe and deep. Offers a lovely combination of silky texture, firm structure and the aromatic lift and nuance of the vintage's best examples. Should age gracefully for at least 15 years.

Typically extracted and powerful (which is atypical in a vintage such as 2008), this offering may lack charm, but it is “locked and loaded” with plenty of background oak, huge black cherry and black currant fruit, medium to full body and a boatload of tannin. Forget it for 8-10 years and drink it over the following three decades. Drink: 2019 - 2049.

Robert Parker (Wine Advocate #194, May 2011)

Typically extracted and powerful (which is atypical in a vintage such as 2008), this offering may lack charm, but it is “locked and loaded” with plenty of background oak, huge black cherry and black currant fruit, medium to full body and a boatload of tannin. Forget it for 8-10 years and drink it over the following three decades.

Very deep purple-ruby. Floral aromas of blueberry, blackcurrant and violet. The palate offers lovely balance, with pure black fruit flavors in perfect harmony with fine acids and smooth tannins. Finishes long and pure, with a late mineral surge. Not the last word in concentration but a gorgeous, well-made wine.