Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

There are a number of things I can say about Leoville Barton. For me, it is a storied property and experience.

To this point, I have had quite a few 2000 Bordeaux’s, none of them ready as this one. Given what I know about Anthony & his legacy, most of his good vintages were made for your children. So, color me surprised.

While this 2000 is drinking well, it is far from its precipice. There is another 20 yrs plus of road here.

Sofia and I have had the pleasure of dining at the same table with Anthony Barton and his wife in the early teens of 2000. He was a salt of the earth gentleman. His wife, lovely. At dinner that night, he told us a story I will not forget. A story prompted by a question from my wife. He and his wife drove from France to Switzerland. They were stopped at the border and asked to get out of the car as they had a case of wine with them. At that time and maybe still now, you can’t take wine over the border into Switzerland. The border guard called the powers to be and recanted the story of them trying to bring wine into Switzerland. He told them their name. The person on the other end of the phone said, who? They said, Anthony Barton. The reply, was let him through. That’s respect!!!

His daughter Lilian has taken the helm. She is also salt of the earth and a great Bordeaux Ambassador. May Anthony RIP.

This 2000 is classic Bordeaux in every way.

The nose shows steeped & candied fruits that are; blackberries, black raspberries, both plums, poached strawberries, black cherries, purple & blue fruit hues (classic Barton). Graphite, dry tobacco, dry leather, dry limestone bits, dark Asian spices, dry herbs, dry river stone, dark, rich, forest floor, anise to black licorice, mid colas, fresh, candied to withering florals that are; dark, red, blue and violets.

The palate shows, M+ rounded, fine grain tannins. The nose mirrors the palate in many ways. Steeped, candied, ripe, juicy fruits that are; brambly blackberries, black raspberries, both plums, poached strawberries, black cherries, raspberries, purple & blue fruit hues. Leoville Barton shows purple & blue fruits more than most other left bank producers. Graphite, dry tobacco, cedar, dry leather, dry limestone bits, dry top soils, saline, caramel, mocha powder, German chocolate cake, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanillin, dark Asian spices w/ some heat, dry herbs, touch of black pepper, grilled meats, dry river stone, dark, rich, forest floor, anise to black licorice, black tarriness, mid colas, fresh, candied to withering florals that are; dark, red, blue and framed in liquid violets, acidity is grand, well balanced/structured, highly toned, elegant & smartly polished finish that lasts minutes and settles on earth & dark spice.

Decanted 90 minutes and enjoyed over nearly three hours.

Appreciated the 12.5% ABV. Many would say that is not possible in the modern wine era. Anthony says otherwise w/ his 2000.

95-96. — a day ago

Nugs

9.0

A spicy red with cherry, oak, pepper notes with slight earthy notes, medium bodied and long acidic aftertaste. — 6 years ago

Ann Kunes

9.0

Very good, a little sweeter than some. Very flavorful, fruit forward. Repeat — 7 years ago

Karen Larson

9.3

Jammy Jam jam reminds us of growing up with blueberry syrup with pancakes. Love it!❣️ — 7 years ago

with Craig and Bob

Asli Birkent

9.0

Definitely more than a pinot. More flavor of wood and fruit, dancing. — 8 years ago

Cheryl Green

8.9

Funky! Hint of blue cheese on the nose and in the taste but still fruity. Interesting. Would have thought this to be an old world white — 10 months ago

with Marc

Maarten 't Hooft

9.6

Nice Pinotage that has a little hint of Pinot Noir. Good alternative to Syrah and went well with the lighter courses like duck/melon and cheese — 4 years ago

Stephanie Forbes

9.0

Had the 2019 vintage tonight with some fresh pasta and shrimp at our fav Italian place Delicious Cab with fruit forward flavor and a nice, easy finish. The legs were long and lush. So glad we were able to try this tonight- I would definitely recommend this as a regular bottle in the rotation! — 5 years ago

Elizabeth

9.4

Dry but fruity — 6 years ago

John Malcolm

10

Extraordinary. Inky, deep purple color. Intoxicating bouquet. Plums, blackberries, dark cherries, chocolate, and a hint of tobacco. Full mouth feel. Elegant. Complex. A finish with a hint of sweetness. Decant for at least 60 minutes - it’s worth the wait. — 7 years ago

JeremyC

9.4

The last of these 12's. Was getting nervous it could be close to post peak but.....wow! Intense, balanced, complex acidity, oak, fruit. A wine that makes you consider qualities of Burg and Rhone tho this btl perhaps not AS MUCH as the last. Very old world in nature. Could hv waited but very happy to hv enjoyed it and shared. Wnehse. — 7 years ago

Rob Sternthal

9.4

After a wonderful day with the Winemaker, he convinced me that this was a pop and pour today. He was right!!!! Beautiful expression of a Cab Franc. @Anthony Biagi @Ian Fenwick - Hourglass Wine Co — 8 years ago

Miyuki Yoshino

9.3

smooth aroma — 2 years ago

Kristin Cancellieri

9.0

Dried cherries, spicy herb and soft baking spice on the palate. Delicious with braised meats — 4 years ago

Gemma Duncan

9.0

Perfect with jambalaya — 4 years ago

Karen Larson

9.5

Smooth velvety, deep blackberry and smoke. #liquidheaven #thatsgoodshit — 5 years ago

with Craig

Daniel Taub

9.6

One word. Stunning. @Anthony Biagi — 6 years ago

Cathy Corison

Owner/Winemaker Corison Winery

8.9

Citrus. Muscaty. Broad, adequate acidity. — 7 years ago

with Grace and William

Jay Lane

8.9

Good, smooth, tasty — 7 years ago

Beau Carson

9.1

Gorgeous wine and perfect blind. — 8 years ago