94.5
Vinous
Antonio Galloni
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27 Feb 24
The 2021 Léoville-Barton is a gorgeous, classically built Saint-Julien. Graphite, leather, blue-toned fruit, spice, tobacco, licorice and lavender are immediately alluring. Medium in body and vibrant, the 2021 exudes finesse from start to finish. It is very much on the restrained side, with all the elements impeccably balanced. I would give this a few years in the cellar. It really blossoms with air, but the best is clearly yet to come.
Drinking Date: 2028 - 2051
94
The Wine Independent
Lisa Perrotti-Brown
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23 Apr 24
A blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc, the 2021 Leoville Barton was aged in 60% new oak. It has a deep garnet-purple color and it gently wafts from the glass with classic scents of cassis, blackberries, and kirsch, giving way to nuances of violets, crushed rocks, and powdered cinnamon. The medium-bodied palate delivers taut, muscular black fruit, with approachable, grainy tannins and a lively line, finishing long and minerally. Wonderfully classic!
Drinking Date: 2026 - 2038
94
Inside Bordeaux
Jane Anson
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02 Apr 24
Bang on classic, extremely well balanced and enjoyable, rich cassis and blueberry, black tea, cloves, earthy. Tannins are present, a little austere but in no way drying and this should age well for a good 15 to 20 years. There's an emotional reason to buy this 2021 vintage also, if you are fan of Léoville Barton, as Anthony Barton, long-term owner and Bordeaux legend, died in January 2022. 60% new oak. Tasted twice.
Drinking Date: 2027 - 2041
94
Robert Parker Wine Advocate
William Kelley
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08 Feb 24
The 2021 Léoville Barton has turned out beautifully in bottle, wafting from the glass with notes of cassis and plums mingled with subtle hints of pencil shavings, menthol and spices. Medium to full-bodied, deep and impressively concentrated, it's layered and refined, built around lively acids and a chassis of sweet, powdery tannin that will reward some bottle age with greater plenitude. It's a real success.
Drinking Date: 2027 - 2045
17
Jancis Robinson
Jancis Robinson
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29 Jan 25
Tasted blind. Very dark, concentrated crimson. Intense and drier than was initially suggested, with lots of tannin. Rather uncompromising. Not much fun at the moment but may get there in the end. Good, long finish. (JR)
Drinking Date: 2030 - 2045