Another property owned by the Barton family, Léoville Barton is one of the classic châteaux of St-Julien. The 2017 blend contains a huge 93% Cabernet Sauvignon with 7% Merlot, and was fermented in temperature controlled wooden vats, then aged for 16-18 months in barriques, 60% new. Georgie Hindle: Sweet exotic spice touches on the nose, and a plump palate. Really quite a grippy style but so charming. There’s a sense of lightness despite the clear concentration of the fruit. Good minerality on the finish, fresh and minty. Vincenzo Arnese: Intense, rich, elegant, complex nose. Finishes with a little nutmeg. The palate is rich, poised and structured. Well-integrated tannins suggest a bright future, with acidity helping keep everything together and fresh. Andy Howard MW: Quite open and generous on the palate with dark fruit notes. It’s ripe and full, yet there is a slight lack of concentration. An appealing wine, lovely to drink in the short to medium term. Fine purity of flavour. (Panel Tasting)