Description
Léoville-Barton is one of the five St. Julien Second Growth properties designated in the 1855 classification. It is often referred to as a “super-second”, though, because its wines are at a quality level approaching that of a First Growth. The château is not only considered one of the top wines in St. Julien, but also one of the best values. Léoville-Barton wines have a higher percentage of Cabernet-Sauvignon than other proprietors’ blends, a typical blend consisting of 70% Cabernet, 20% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc. Léoville-Barton produces a second label called La Réserve de Léoville-Barton. The Barton family owns both Château Langoa-Barton and Château Léoville-Barton, having acquired them in the 1820s.
Vinous Media – 93 Points
“The 2002 Léoville Barton offers blackberry, tar and a touch of brine on the well-defined, focused nose. Medium-bodied and defined by its youthfulness and vigor, the 2002 is quite sappy, with good grip on the finish. I admit that I was astonished when the identity of this bottle was revealed. Recommended given its market price. Tasted at the inaugural Vinous off-line. 4/2020 vinous.com –NM
Wine Advocate – 92 Points
Even better from bottle than from cask, and one of the finest wines of the vintage, this dense purple-colored 2002 reveals wonderfully sweet notes of charcoal, fresh mushrooms, smoke, earth, leather, cassis, and cedar. Full-bodied, highly extracted, broodingly backward, dense, and deep, this impressively endowed offering is built for the long term. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2028. 4/2005 robertparker.com | –Robert Parker
International Wine Cellar – 92 Points
Good full ruby-red. Black cherry, cassis and minerals on the nose. As fine-grained as the 2001, but with deeper, more chocolatey flavors of cassis, black cherry, licorice and minerals, nicely framed by harmonious acidity. Finishes impressively long, with substantial but fine tannins. Impeccably balanced wine. 5/2004 International Wine Cellar [IWC] Steve Tanzer