1988 Leoville Barton
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Tasting notes
Shows plenty of mint, currant and mineral character on the nose. Full-bodied, with big and soft tannins. Plenty of mushroom, berry and fruity character. Opulent and beautiful.¿'88/'98 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2008). Drink now. 16,000 cases made. James Suckling,Wine Spectator 2009.
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Like several other 1988s, this wine’s rather hard, unyielding, early style has given way to a classically structured Bordeaux with a very youthful color (younger than the 1989), deep, earthy, cassis fruit intermixed with wood, smoke, mineral, and a hint of roasted herbs. The wine has excellent depth, medium to full body, moderate tannin, and a very youthful, vigorous feel. It is approachable, but seems destined to outlive the more renowned and expensive 1989. Somewhat of a sleeper of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2018. Last tasted, 9/01. 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.