Chateau Leoville Barton 2017

ANTONIO GALLONI: "Léoville-Barton is one of the very few wines, from any appellation, that combines power and finesse with such grace in 2017. Rich, deep and wonderfully expressive, the 2017 has so much offer. The high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon comes through loud and clear. Inky dark, fruit, game, spice, mint, licorice and lavender all build in a wine of regal elegance and head spinning beauty. For its combination of quality and price, Léoville-Barton remains one the most consumer-friendly wines of the Left Bank. The blend is 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Merlot. The September rains were especially challenging for the Merlot and Cabernet Franc. As a result, Cabernet is pushed up in the blend, while there is no Franc at all."

DECANTER: "Great depth through the mid palate, and as with Poyferré there is both delicacy and finesse to the expression that suggests the style of the vintage emphasizes the classical side of St-Julien. As things open in the glass sweet black cherry with liquorice root and crushed earth comes through in the mid palate. This has poise, concentration and confidence, easily one of the best in the appellation. Drinking Window 2024 - 2045"

FALSTAFF: "Tiefdunkles Rubingranat, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung, floraler Touch, reife schwarze Kirschen, Brombeeren, ein Hauch von Orangenzesten. Mittlerer Körper, schwarze Beerenfrucht, integrierte, präsente Tannine, etwas Kirschfrucht im Abgang, mineralisch, anhaftend, verfügte über Entwicklungspotenzial."

JAMES SUCKLING: "The purity of cabernet sauvignon really comes through here with currants, blackberries and stones. Perfumed, too. Medium to full body. Very fine, polished tannins and a fresh, fruity finish. This shows a compact palate with a polished, creamy finish. Much higher percentage of cabernet than is usual. Drink after 2023."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Tasted blind. Deep ruby. Dark-fruited and brooding on the nose – this has clear potential. The palate is very muscular, with a solid framework on which to build the fruit. Notes of cassis and spice are in harmony, showing the precision of the winemaking here. Rich and spicy but well managed. This is chiselled and very fine. Long and driven on the finish. (TP)"

JEB DUNNUCK: "The deep, inky-colored 2017 Léoville Barton is a classic, powerhouse wine from this estate that’s going to need bottle age. Loads of black and blue fruits, violets, classy oak, and ample minerality all soar from the glass. It’s medium to full-bodied, concentrated, and backward on the palate. With fabulous purity and integrated acidity, forget bottles for 5-6 years and enjoy over the following two decades. The blend in 2017 is 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Merlot, harvested from the 15th to the 29th of September, and aging in 60% new French oak."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Tannic, bright, fresh and crisp, the red berries really pop and sing here. The wine is lively, bright and fresh, with nice concentration and a long, fruit-filled finish. But patience will be a virtue for this classic gem."

THE WINEADVOCATE: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Léoville Barton charges out of the gate with bold notions of baked plums, crème de cassis and blueberry preserves plus wafts of pencil shavings, fragrant earth and cedar chest. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-coating black fruit preserves with compelling herbal sparks and a firm, grainy texture, finishing long and lively."

WEINWISSER: "Sattes Purpur mit violettem Rand. Was für ein dichtes blaubeeriges Konzentrat aus Heidel- und Brombeeren sowie Palisander. Im zweiten Ansatz eine volle Ladung schwarze Johannisbeeren und Darjeelingnoten. Am erhabenen Gaumen mit ausladenden, perfekt integrierten Tanninen, immer noch leicht stützend, geben dem Wein eine rahmige Struktur. Im gebündelten Finale ein nicht enden wollendes Crescendo aus blauen Beeren, dunklen Edelhölzern und Brazil-Tabak. Eine perfekte Symbiose aus Finesse, Kraft und Fruchtfülle. Da ist die nächsthöhere Wertung die logische Konsequenz."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "This boldly tannic wine has a firm structure that gives it excellent aging potential. That's because the great blackberry fruits are just as prominent, offering a ripe, juicy character that is already succulent and delicious. Drink this wine from 2024."

WINESPECTATOR: "Packed with ripe, lively plum, blackberry and black currant fruit, backed by melted black licorice and bramble accents throughout, this retains a sense of polish despite the energetic fruit and structure. Ends with an encore of warm plum reduction. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2023 through 2037. 10,833 cases made."