2010 Leoville Barton

A splendid showing, much stronger from bottle than it was from barrel, the Leoville Barton is one of the spectacular wines of the vintage. Inky purple to the rim, its huge tannin gives this wine real potential for 30-50 years of longevity. It is a classic, powerful Bordeaux made with no compromise. A superstar of the vintage, the wine has notes of pen ink and creme de cassis, good acidity, sweet, subtle oak, and massive extraction and concentration. I thought it was one of the most backward wines of the vintage two years ago, and nothing has changed in the ensuing upbringing of the wine in cask except that the wine now seems even richer, denser and fuller than I previously thought. The beautiful purity, symmetry, and huge finish of nearly a minute make this one of the all-time great classics from Leoville Barton. Anticipated maturity: 2028-2065+.

Robert Parker (Wine Advocate #205, Feb 2013)

Tasted blind at the Southwold Bordeaux 2010 tasting. The Leoville-Barton 2010 has a very impressive, very showy bouquet with mineral-driven black fruit mixed with hints of liquorice and cigar box that unfolds with every passing moment in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a fleshy ripe but structured opening. The acidity is very well judged with a fine line of acidity, real depth and flavour here with a long, light peppery finish. Excellent - an accomplished Saint Julien from Anthony Barton and his team. Tasted January 2014.

– eRobertParker.com, Mar 2014

2nd Growth St Julien [77CS/23M] Dense, blackberry ripe and mineral backed fruit, rich and vital in constitution; generous, sweet fruited and markedly mineral with clear but very refined tannins; a wonderfully fresh acidity defining the intensity of ripe fruit; broad, generous, linear, and with a terrific mouth coating persistence. Even more to this than the fine 2009. A splendid future seems assured. 2020-40 + [M.Schuster, Bordeaux Mar/Apr 2011]

Takes a modern approach, with dark mocha- and espresso-infused toast leading the way, featuring an extra ganache kicker before dark currant preserves and roasted plum fruit strides in. Dense and extracted through the polished finish, this features a charcoal spine that gives rise to extra blueberry and pastis notes. Should cruise in the cellar. Best from 2018 through 2038. 13,750 cases made.

– James Molesworth (WineSpectator.com, March 2013)

Aromas of pure blackberries and violets follow through to a full body, with super velvety tannins and a delicious balance of sweet fruit, light vanilla and nuts. Really savory and beautiful. Superb wine. I like this better than 2009. Try in 2018.

– jamessuckling.com, November 2013

Quality 926 | Brand 988 | Economics 889 | buzz brand
Quality: Predicted life of 18 years, one of the longest drinking windows in its peer group for the 2010 vintage, which averages 11 years Brand: Strong restaurant presence, featuring on 33 of the world's top wine lists, including Amber - Mandarin Oriental Economics: Production: Higher production than its peer group average of 186,000 bottles

- www.wine-lister.com June 2017