2021 Château Léoville Barton

Tasted blind. Very dark, concentrated crimson. Intense and drier than was initially suggested, with lots of tannin. Rather uncompromising. Not much fun at the moment but may get there in the end. Good, long finish. (JR)

Dark currants, tobacco, graphite, and an undeniable sense of minerality all define the 2021 Château Léoville Barton, a medium-bodied, concentrated Saint-Julien that has good mid-palate depth, ripe yet polished, integrated tannins, and outstanding length. It's a ripe, textured, impressive 2021 that stays in the fresher, classic style of the vintage. Based on 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc, aged 18 months in 60% new oak, it will be an early-drinking Barton by this cuvée’s standards, yet it’s still going to have well over two decades of prime drinking.

The 2011 Léoville-Barton marks the first vintage with Cabernet Franc in the blend, which Damien Barton explained was thanks to the smaller vats recently installed in the cuverie . There is a sense of airiness on the nose, very focused and well-defined with blackberry, bilberry and crushed stone aromas. The palate is medium-bodied and sappy with ripe black fruit and a fine bead of acidity, showing a touch of spice box and cinnamon on the finish. Superb.