Château Léoville Barton Saint-Julien 2021 - 2nd Grand Cru Classé

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

Under Anthony Barton’s understated, honest, and passionate leadership, this wine has joined the very elite of the Médoc without causing its prices to skyrocket. The wine’s current quality stems from the age and location of the vines—which allow for a balance of quantity and quality—and from a commitment to preserving and refining the most classic Médoc style. What remains a mystery is its character, for this wine—which has exceptional aging potential—is born fully formed, with an almost creamy texture that makes it immediately stand out and be loved. The new generation of the family has little to change...

Guide Hachette des vins

About the wine:

The color is deep, as is the nose, which opens with toasty and vanilla notes before revealing hints of spicy red fruit and peony. Supple and fresh on the palate, the wine unfolds generously, its dense texture complemented by tannins wrapped in a toasty oak character that remains prominent. A youthful Léoville Barton, still under the influence of aging and built to last, which displays the full character of the vineyard despite the challenges of the vintage. 2029–2038

About the estate:

Although the Irishman Thomas Barton established his wine merchant business in Les Chartrons in 1725, it was not until 1821 that his grandson Hugh acquired Château Langoa, and then, in 1826, part of the former Léoville estate—a property founded in the early 17th century and divided into several parts during the Revolution. The estate has remained in the Barton family ever since (owned by Lilian Barton-Sartorius since 2006), with its 51 hectares of vineyards extending south of the village of Saint-Julien. There is no residence or winery here; vinification and aging take place at Langoa.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

Since 1985, the estate has gone from strength to strength under the leadership of Anthony Barton and his daughter Lilian. These successes have turned into triumphs, as Léoville Barton has consistently ranked among the top Bordeaux grands crus since 1998. Aside from an obvious passion for a job well done, the secret to this success lies in the advanced age of this historic vineyard, which yields ripe, concentrated grapes. More full-bodied and fruity as a primeur than Léoville Las Cases or Léoville Poyferré, Baron enchants with its richness, its supreme balance—which it owes to its terroir—and its deeply natural expression. More open when young, the wine often goes through a phase of austerity before gradually taking on its final form; as it ages, it then unfolds one of the most complex and elegant bouquets in the Médoc. Furthermore, given its quality and consistent performance, prices remain very affordable.

Wine Enthusiast

About the wine:

Aromas of sandalwood and gray pepper give way to a powerful, elegant, and refined wine. It has body and beautiful concentration. It is impressive and has excellent aging potential. Best enjoyed starting in 2028.

Terre de Vins

About the wine:

Léoville-Barton displays its majesty in this 2021 vintage, perfectly balanced with firm, flavorful, and well-structured fruit, featuring a touch of austerity in the tannic structure that defines its terroir signature. The wine is rich and straightforward, with a long, elegant finish. It is a fine achievement.

Yves Beck

About the wine:

While still bearing the marks of its aging, the 2021 Léoville Barton does not fail to display its grandeur and depth, even in the context of the 2021 vintage. Its fine-grained tannins provide a solid foundation for aging, while offering an approachability that allows one to appreciate its potential from its youth through to its peak… And that may take some time, so you’ll need to have enough in your cellar! 2027–2051

Tastingbook - Markus Del Monego

About the wine:

Deep purple color with violet highlights and a black core. An elegant nose, initially closed but opening up nicely, revealing aromas of black berries, subtle toasty notes, and sweet spices, with discreet floral notes in the background. On the palate, the tannins are silky; the wine is fresh and juicy, very elegant and persistent.

Anthocyanes - Yohan Castaing

About the wine:

Although slightly reserved and understated, the bouquet of Château Léoville Barton 2021 evokes the classic austerity of the Médoc, with earthy and root-like notes. It has a beautiful mouthfeel, smooth and without harshness, featuring velvety, refined, and delicate tannins that come together to create a very elegant, harmonious, and well-structured wine. Given the vintage, this is a truly beautiful wine that expresses itself more on the palate than on the nose and possesses incredible potential. A vintage that suits this cru particularly well, producing, in my opinion, a wine superior to the 2020.