2017 Château Léoville-Barton

Description

96  Antonio Galloni for Vinous
“Léoville-Barton is one of the very few wines, from any appellation, that combines power and finesse with such grace in 2017. Rich, deep and wonderfully expressive, the 2017 has so much offer. The high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon comes through loud and clear. Inky dark, fruit, game, spice, mint, licorice and lavender all build in a wine of regal elegance and head spinning beauty. For its combination of quality and price, Léoville-Barton remains one the most consumer-friendly wines of the Left Bank. The blend is 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Merlot. The September rains were especially challenging for the Merlot and Cabernet Franc. As a result, Cabernet is pushed up in the blend, while there is no Franc at all.” (3/2020)

96   Wine Enthusiast
“This boldly tannic wine has a firm structure that gives it an excellent potential. That’s because the great blackberry fruits are just as important, offering a ripe, juicy character that is already succulent and delicious.”(3/2020)

95   Jane Anson for Decanter
“This has a stronger, tighter and more concentrated expression in this vintage than its sister property, although it’s not as concentrated as its last few vintages. It’s back to a more old school expression for the appellation, suiting the vintage, and it’s one of the better-framed wines on display here. Good quality, with ground coffee, dark chocolate and tight cassis notes, all subtly and harmoniously put together.” (4/2018)

95   James Suckling
“The purity of Cabernet Sauvignon really comes through here with currants, blackberries and stones. Perfumed, too. Medium to full body. Very fine, polished tannins and a fresh, fruity finish. This shows a compact palate with a polished, creamy finish. Much higher percentage of Cabernet than is usual.” (1/2020)

95   Lisa Perrotti-Brown for Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Léoville Barton charges out of the gate with bold notions of baked plums, crème de cassis and blueberry preserves plus wafts of pencil shavings, fragrant earth and cedar chest. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-coating black fruit preserves with compelling herbal sparks and a firm, grainy texture, finishing long and lively.” (3/2020)

95   James Molesworth for Wine Spectator
“Packed with ripe, lively plum, blackberry and black currant fruit, backed by melted black licorice and bramble accents throughout, this retains a sense of polish despite its energetic fruit and structure. Ends with an encore of warm plum reduction.” (3/2020)