2001 Chateau Leoville Barton 2eme Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 1x75cl

Neal Martin 91

The 2001 Leoville-Barton presents plenty of brambly red fruit on the nose, along with singed leather and mushroom; it s just a little more animally than I expected. The palate is medium-bodied, fresh and sappy, offering supple tannins and a fine bead of acidity, and lightly spiced with white pepper and clove. Quite persistent in the mouth. Not sophisticated, perhaps, but classic in style, fresh and toothsome. [Neal Martin, 22/09/2021]

Anticipated maturity: 2021-2036

Stephen Tanzer 90

Good medium ruby-red. Sweet, pure nose dominated by black cherry and spices. Juicy and fine-grained, with a lovely restrained sweetness and nicely integrated acidity. A hint of pepper lifts the wine’s fruit without introducing intrusive greenness. Stylish, firm claret with good extract and a firm, lingering finish. [Stephen Tanzer, 05/01/2004]

Wine Advocate 93

The 2001 Leoville Barton is still a few years from full maturity. Unwinding in the decanter and glass with aromas of blackcurrant, licorice, loamy soil, cigar wrapper and vanilla pod, it’s medium to full-bodied, rich and muscular, with a deep, concentrated core of fruit, lively acids and ripe but firm tannins that still assert themselves on the finish. If Leoville Poyferre is in its prime today, this Leoville Barton still ideally deserves a few more years’ patience. [William Kelley, 23/01/2022]

Anticipated maturity: 2021-2041

JancisRobinson.com 17

Very Cabernet on the nose. Fragrant and deep flavoured. Scented and then notably dry on the end. Still pretty uncommunicative. Very dry and chewy. Wait! Only medium weight – lighter than Poyferre 2001. [01/03/2012]

Anticipated maturity: 2018-2032