1985 Leoville Barton
Buying options
Tasting notes
An austere wine that's a touch earthy with a slightly metallic edge and meager fruit. May be in a dumb stage and could grow out of it surprisingly well. Firm and tight, but starts to open up on the finish.--Cabernet Challenge. James Suckling,Wine Spectator 1996.
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 1985 is a gorgeous example that may well represent a more modern-day clone of the splendid 1953. Dark ruby/garnet with an open-knit, complex, ripe nose of sweet red as well as black currants, vanilla, fruitcake, tobacco, cedar, and earth, the wine is medium-bodied with exceptional sweetness, soft tannin, and a supple, very nicely layered finish. A classic midweight Bordeaux, it will drink now and over the next decade. Anticipated maturity: Now-2010. Last tasted, 1/02. Jan 2003, www.robertparker.com
About the producer

Ch. Léoville Barton is a Second Growth Saint-Julien estate, one of the three famous Léoville estates (along with Léoville Poyferré and Léoville Las Cases). Owned by the Barton family (along with Ch. Langoa Barton), it produces classically structured Claret that ages beautifully.