2005 Chateau Leoville Barton
-
S$30295
Country : France
Vintage : 2005
Region : Saint Julien, Bordeaux
Winemaker Notes
The vineyard is located in the heart of the terroir of St Julien. On one of the most beautiful hilltops of Garonne gravel, facing the Gironde, the clay-gravelly subsoil makes it possible to perfectly regulate the vagaries of the weather throughout the year. Plowing is traditional, without weeding or herbicide. The vines are mainly planted with Cabernet Sauvignon (74%), Merlot (23%) and Cabernet Franc (3%).
About Winery
In 1826, Hugh Barton, already proprietor of Chateau Langoa, purchased part of the big Leoville estate. His part then became known as Léoville Barton. Six generations of Bartons have since followed, and continued to preserve the quality of the wine, classified as a Second Growth in 1855.
In 1983, Anthony Barton, the present owner, was given the property by his uncle Ronald Barton who had himself inherited it in 1929. Anthony Barton's daughter Lilian Barton Sartorius now helps her father in managing the estate. Together, they maintain the traditional methods of winemaking, producing a typical Saint-Julien of elegance and distinction. The Château Léoville Barton is the property of the Barton’s family and Lilian Barton Sartorius manages it with her two children, Mélanie and Damien.
Winemaker Notes
The vineyard is located in the heart of the terroir of St Julien. On one of the most beautiful hilltops of Garonne gravel, facing the Gironde, the clay-gravelly subsoil makes it possible to perfectly regulate the vagaries of the weather throughout the year. Plowing is traditional, without weeding or herbicide. The vines are mainly planted with Cabernet Sauvignon (74%), Merlot (23%) and Cabernet Franc (3%).
About Winery
In 1826, Hugh Barton, already proprietor of Chateau Langoa, purchased part of the big Leoville estate. His part then became known as Léoville Barton. Six generations of Bartons have since followed, and continued to preserve the quality of the wine, classified as a Second Growth in 1855.
In 1983, Anthony Barton, the present owner, was given the property by his uncle Ronald Barton who had himself inherited it in 1929. Anthony Barton's daughter Lilian Barton Sartorius now helps her father in managing the estate. Together, they maintain the traditional methods of winemaking, producing a typical Saint-Julien of elegance and distinction. The Château Léoville Barton is the property of the Barton’s family and Lilian Barton Sartorius manages it with her two children, Mélanie and Damien.
97 points Wine Enthusiast
Power and elegance merge effortlessly in this superb wine. Its pure black currant fruit is tightly coiled, supported by just the right amount of firm tannins. Great aging potential. A triumph. *Best of Year 2008, Cellar Selection* (RV) 
(6/2008)
96 points James Suckling
This offers aromas of spices, dried dark fruits, meat and berries. Full and muscular on the palate, with strong tannins and a long, long finish. This is very powerful and chewy, but a little bit tight. This is a wine for the cellar. (12/2010)
96 points Vinous
The 2005 Léoville-Barton is clearly one of the wines of the vintage. Powerful and strapping in the glass, the 2005 is a big, big wine. Huge swaths of tannin wrap around a core of inky black fruit, new leather, spice, gravel, mocha and licorice. The wine's sheer density is impressive, but its balance is even more compelling. I might be temped to give this another few years in the cellar. Readers lucky enough to own it will find a thrilling, potent Saint-Julien that overdelivers big time. I loved it. (AG) (4/2021)
96 points Wine Spectator
Delivers breathtaking aromas of blackberry, currant, licorice and flowers. Full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and supersilky tannins. Dark chocolate, currant, berry and licorice follow through. This is racy and beautiful. (JS) (3/2008)
95 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The Château Léoville-Barton 2005 has a more multi-dimensional bouquet compared to the Langoa with blackberry, bilberry, a hint of 'Liquorice All Sorts' and crème de cassis. The palate is medium-bodied with dense ripe tannins, a gentle but insistent grip and superb delineation on the finish that reins the power back in, ensuring that this Barton is linear, classic in style. There is great persistence here – a Saint Julien from the top drawer that will give as much pleasure to you as your kids (once they reach drinking age of course). (NM) (2/2015)
