Léoville-Barton - La Réserve de Léoville-Barton 2007

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 enhancing 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 win people over. The family’s new generation has little need to change anything...

Although the Irishman Thomas Barton established his wine trading 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 stretching south of the village of Saint-Julien. There is no residence or winery here; winemaking and aging take place at Langoa.

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 very best of Bordeaux’s 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 a deeply natural expression. More open when first released, 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, its prices remain very affordable.