Chateau Leoville Barton 1986

Decanter: "Anthony Barton had been running Léoville Barton for three years at this point, but in 1986 - the year that his uncle Ronald died (after a tenure that had begun back in 1924) - it passed fully into his ownership. Huge tannins are still evident in this wine. It was pretty backward and unforgiving for many years but it showed incredibly well during this tasting and is definitely ready to be enjoyed. It displays tons of liquorice and blackcurrant, exotic spice notes and a swagger through the finish. The exact blend was not recorded, so the blend shown reflects the vineyard plantings. Harvested from 4 to 17 October. Drinking Window 2019 - 2030"

Weinwisser: "Dunkles Granat, wenig Reifetöne, deutlich aufhellender Rand. Nobles Bouquet, sanft laktisch, rote Pflaumen, Rosmarin, intensiv und ziemlich tiefgründig, was die Trüffelspuren im Nasenbild beweisen. Im Gaumen sehr elegant, ausgeglichen, feine Gerbstoffe, tänzerisch und mit viel Finessen, eine schöne Tanninsüsse ausstrahlend, langes Finale."

Falstaff: "Dunkles Karmingranat, zarter Ockerrand, Wasserrand. In der Nase feinwürzig-tabakig unterlegte schwarze Beerenfrucht, zart nach Lakritze, schokoladiger Touch. Saftig, elegante Textur, frisches Waldbeerkonfit, feine Tannine, bleibt sehr gut haften, ausgewogen und sehr gut zugänglich, auf einem Höhepunkt angelangt, extraktsüßer Nachhall, bietet großes Trinkvergnügen."

Jancis Robinson: "Still young-looking and – young-smelling. Very full and rich nose. Opulent. Slightly dusty. Even more robust than most other vintages."

Wine Spectator: "Locked up tight with dense currant, spice and cedar flavors framed by tannins. On the finish there are hints of elegance and grace. Best to drink now to 1997."