2010 Leoville Barton

Softened plum in colour, still very closed on the aromatics but there's no hiding the quality underneath, chocolate drops, blueberry, damson, confident architecture packed with chalky tannins. A big vintage that needs more time. 60% new oak barrels for ageing, harvest 28 September to 8 October.

Clearly one of the all-time greats from this château (it actually reminds me a little of the 1990), the 2010 Château Léoville Barton reveals a still youthful ruby hue as well as a textbook Barton bouquet of pure dark currants, savory tobacco, saddle leather, graphite, and subtle spicy oak. It's beautifully concentrated, with a full-bodied, deep, layered mouthfeel, still present yet sweet, polished tannins, and a regal, focused style that is quintessential Léoville Barton. This brilliant, majestic wine should be sought out by wine lovers. It clearly offers pleasure today yet has probably not quite reached its prime drinking window. Give bottles another 4-5 years and enjoy over the following 30+. Bravo to the team at this terrific chateau.

Two bottles of the 2010 Léoville Barton were opened, the first showing just a little oxidation, the second thankfully fresher although maybe not quite as representative as I would like. Black fruit, earthy scents and touches of undergrowth come through. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, plenty of graphite infused black fruit, but it feels a little blunt on the finish and does not quite convey the length of its peers. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal.