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. — 2 days ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.3

2015 vintage. 85% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc and 4 % Petit verdot. Only the second vintage with Petit Verdot in the blend from a plot planted in 2011. Classic old school Saint-Emilion, build to age. Don't expect a flashy wine, but an understated balanced gentleman. — 5 years ago

Bobby Gilbane

9.3

Initially took issue with the cut of his jib but gave him a chance to explain himself. Glad I did. A real gentleman. — 6 years ago

Simone Pizzi

9.3

Excellent wine, the style is minimalist but very focussed. The sensation is that of a natural but elegant wine, some sort of a gentleman farmer style, I love it. The nose starts with some leathery hints and with some air it gets quite fruit forward with an accent on black currant and small red fruits. The mouth shows very youthful with firm tannins and a vibrant acidity. I'll buy again. — 6 years ago

Johan Bogaert

9.2

Like always a true gentleman, somewhat lean but very sophisticated. Silky wine with fruit preserved. Very little signs of evolution. Very aristocratic but lacks some flesh. Still very enjoyable. — 8 years ago

Cody Short

9.6

A small step behind the 82 Margaux but another magical wine. This was shockingly fresh and obviously a well stored bottle from the gentleman I acquired it from. Not quite to the level of the 82 Trotanoy but a wine I will never forget. Not often we get to experience treasures like this and blessed to have had the opportunity — 8 years ago

M. Christopher Roebuck

9.3

Hi everyone! This is lovely (rare descriptor for me). Medium red brick color, medium plus body, medium plus alcohol but subtle. Nice acidity, and tannins make this absolutely drinkable right now-- 8/26/25 my 58th birthday, forgot to give everyone my new Miami address for bottled gifts 😜 . Certainly floral notes on both the nose and palate, but not rose, some cedar overtones, with an enjoyable minerality. It's lovely because it all comes together like a beautiful gift basket (pun not intended) that would impress a royal lady, but stand up proud for a gentleman. It will improve, but you don't have to let it!

93+ points — 10 months ago

TwiLea Fletcher

9.0

10/01/22
Lovely day in Morrison with the gang for our ward cody and clint show!!!
Suggestion from the gentleman at the bar.
Dry dark fruit. Tannens are very present. Definitely get the bottle, Jodi. Who drinks just a glass? — 4 years ago

David Koenen

9.2

Roasted paprika, salmiac, drying tannins, figs, broth, cigar, sweet rhubarb, stewed pears, juniper. Printing, ink. Clay, blackberries. An old gentleman. — 4 years ago

Kelli Hogan

9.8

Perfect. Effervescent. Honey and apricot notes. Slightly tannic. Color of sweet tea — 6 years ago

with matt

Stefan Dolhain

9.3

2018 vintage. There is a lot to be said about this estate, I recommend visiting the website. It has a very ancient history but today it is a big 250 hectares estate, with 108 hectares of vines, 54 hectares classified as Margaux (after a legal battle), 50 hectares as Haut-Médoc and 4 hectares planted with Sauvignon Blanc (only entitled to the humble Bordeaux Blanc appellation over here). It shines rapidly in the nose with cassis, flowers and very subtle oak. In the mouth it is all about elegance. If you are looking for a blockbuster, this is not your kind. But if you can appreciate a classy refined gentleman then buy this by the case. Textbook Margaux finesse, with impeccable balance, nice depth and length make this one of the finest values in the appellation. Highly recommended. Abv. 13,5 %. — 6 years ago

Beachin Wino

9.6

This is one of the finest wines I have ever tasted. We purchased this wine at the winery after a top notch tasting experience in 2012. A gentleman named Jordan hosted our private tasting and basically helped us plan the remainder of wine vacation. No disappointments! We have since learned how fortunate we were to have that experience. Apparently it is not easy to get an appointment at Palmaz. Beautiful concentrated fruit and structure followed by a lingering finish. Seamless and elegant start to finish! Nirvana! Cheers! — 7 years ago

with Fred

President Obama

9.6

A gentleman told me that he and I would always be friends. We shared a plate of cherries and drank this wine while watching a sunrise. I never saw him again. — a year ago

Ian Hamel

9.1

2024/5/1-3. A lovely, country gentleman type of white Burgundy, from a vintage I am particularly fond of (as I was 295¥ 2007 also). Generous yellow color. No apparent oak influence, but lots of lemon fruit and subtle, natural creaminess. The finish is both mineral and also bready - the taste that lingers after eating a good, classical sweet baguette. — 2 years ago

Margaret Schomer

9.3

Bought at Apple jacks in Colorado. gentleman recommended this when I asked him for another type that I couldn’t get. Happy to say, it’s delicious! — 4 years ago

Peter van den Besselaar

9.2

Vintage 2016 | cardinal red with slight brown rim, true to type Bordeaux smell, cedar, plums, blackberries, very vibrant taste with lovely acidity, long aftertaste, I am fond of Fronsac, in between gentleman farmer and nobility. | Paired with a cabbage stew and deer meatballs — 6 years ago

Kyle VanDevender

9.2

there’s a campfire under the stars on a perfect evening and everyone is in an individual clawfoot tub bubble bath. you’re drinking this wine. ✨ — 6 years ago

with Simon

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Takes its name from the free-spirited gentleman named Bruscone who lived in the woods of the Barbi Estate. Enticing Ruby with sweet red berry aromas and earthy notes. On the palate cherry, licorice and sweet plum showing nicely. Fine tannins, well balanced on lingering finish ending with earthy herb tones. Needs decanting or cellar aging. Very nice! — 7 years ago

Mark Weber

9.3

Nice flavor — 8 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

Founded by Charles Palmer, an officer & a gentleman, also an aide-de-camp of the Prince of Wales, convinced by Marie de Gascq, a widow, to buy her estate. Intense fruit aromas of dark berries with a floral edge. A blend of Merlot-52%; Cab Sauv-42%; Petit Verdot-6%; shows cherry & blackberry fruit flavors with nutty vanilla spice. Tannins are well integrated, pack a punch, but needs more time. Nicely balanced with acidity, elegant quality, lingering ending with earthy mineral character! Very Nice — 8 years ago