2009 Léoville-Barton, St-Julien

“Still young and brooding, this is pure St Julien, pure Barton loveliness. Great quality, juicy, balanced, crayon and cassis, we are right in the heart of the appellation here, but with the intensity and concentration turned up to full. 60% new oak for ageing.” (09/2024)

“A major success of the vintage. The wine exhibits extreme richness of the fruit, with all its sweet blackberry flavors. It also has underlying firm structure, density and solid tannins. Bring in the acidity at the end, and this is both impressive and ready for long-term aging. *Ranked #3 Wine Enthusiast Top 100 of 2012, Cellar Selection* (RV)” (02/2012)

“Measured and confident tannic hold with subtle grilled oak notes, a ton of ripe cassis and blueberry fruits, liquorice and eucalyptus on the finish, and a mouthwatering, moreish construction overall. This is a powerful St Julien, but with clear and present finesse. 60% new oak. A standout wine from this property, and a wonderful showcase of the slow burning brilliance of St Julien. (JA)” (10/2020)

“The 2009 Château Léoville Barton is a classic beauty from this estate that actually reminds me slightly of the 1990. Revealing a deep ruby/plum hue as well as brilliant aromatics of ripe currants, cedar pencils, darker, herbal, tobacco-like nuances, and some chocolaty, spice box-like nuances, it offers full-bodied richness on the palate, with a layered, deep, concentrated, yet classic Barton focused mouthfeel, sweet tannins, and outstanding length. This is just pure Bordeaux goodness that's on the early slopes of its prime drinking window. This brilliant, powerful, textured Saint-Julien has another 20-30 years of longevity ahead of it.” (05/2024)

“A super-classic St.-Julien that only has a hint of the opulence of the vintage. The beautiful cassis fruit and elegantly dry tannins push briskly through the long and graceful finish.” (03/2019)

“The 2009 Léoville-Barton is one of the few Saint-Julien '09s to suggest just a smidgen of brettanomyces on the nose, although frankly it does not detract from its allure, with lovely meat juice and brown spice aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, juicy and slightly chewier than its peers, well judged acidity with ample density and rondeur towards the finish. It might benefit from another year in bottle but otherwise, this is just a wonderful, life-affirming and disarmingly charming Léoville-Barton. (NM)” (03/2019)

“This is powerful Cabernet, with gutsy weight, but polished feel to the fresh plum, warm blackberry sauce, bittersweet ganache and roasted apple wood notes. Long and tarry through the finish, but still invigorating despite its heft. Will need some time to round fully into form. *Ranked #6 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2012* (JM)” (03/2012)

“Medium to deep garnet colored, the 2009 Leoville Barton gives up expressive cherry cordial, warm cassis and blackberry tart scents with nuances of menthol, cigar box and fallen leaves. Medium-bodied and elegantly played with loads of freshness and soft tannins, it has a long, perfumed finish. (LPB)” (03/2019)

“This is a two steps ahead of Langoa-Barton for sure, the nose confident and expressive, but with a dark and savoury character beneath the bright fruit tinged with notes of black bean. A very impressive and complex beginning. On the palate it is so composed and yet it is also full of texture and fruit, but not overdone, with finesse in terms of the texture but with great substance and savoury depth within. A very complete wine, elegant, and yet there is so much packed in here. Superb. 19/20 point” (11/2013)