1996 Leoville Barton
By Chateau Leoville Barton
1996 Leoville Barton from Chateau Leoville Barton, St-Julien, Bordeaux
The pantheon of Bordeaux vintages is replete with legendary years, but the 1996 Leoville Barton from Chateau Leoville Barton holds its own as a testament to the mastery that was bestowed on this particular harvest in St-Julien. My devotion to the detailed chronicles of Bordeaux vintages endows me with an appreciation for the tapestry of subtleties that each year weaves into its wines. The '96 iteration by this eminent estate is a shining example to investors and connoisseurs alike, reminding us why this winery commands such respect.
The Quintessence of 1996 Captured
The 1996 vintage in Bordeaux was marked by a particularly dry and sunny September, following a summer that swung between heatwaves and storms – conditions that laid down the gauntlet for vintners. Indeed, it was the estates with deft touch and unwavering dedication to excellence, such as Chateau Leoville Barton, who emerged triumphantly. The resulting 1996 Leoville Barton from Chateau Leoville Barton exhibits an alluring balance, showcasing both concentrated fruit and the quintessential structure which speaks of sound longevity.
An Emblem of Wine Investment Potential
For investors keen on acquiring assets with both pedigree and promise, this 1996 offering is undeniably compelling. As I revisit my memories of tasting sessions past, the 1996 vintage beams proudly with a complexity that has evolved gracefully over time; notes of cassis, cedar wood and tobacco intermingle in its deep ruby embrace. Its profound tannins have rounded sumptuously, making for an elegant yet still vigorous drink that sings of St-Julien's distinctive terroir.
Within this bottle is contained not just an exceptional Bordeaux blend, but a fragment of the year itself - ripened beneath '96's benevolent autumn sun. Poised impeccably at the intersection where maturity meets vibrant fruit character, this particular wine remains one for reverent cellaring or honoured uncorking.
Lasting Impressions: The Essence of Investment Worthy Wines
Any retrospective glance at the oeuvre of Chateau Leoville Barton must necessarily pause to admire its 1996 masterpiece. For those who secure bottles into their portfolios, the prescient investment today promises rewards for the patient – both on the palate and potentially on profit. This is indeed one of those rare instances where time has refined not just wine but also opportunity.
Market price (CAD)
$2,260.00
12x75cl
Highest score
93
POP score
104.62
Scores and tasting notes
The 1996 Leoville Barton appears more youthful than the 1996 Langoa Barton in the glass with a healthy deep garnet core. The aromatics unfurl gracefully in the glass revealing briary, wild hedgerow, black truffle and sandalwood scents -- firmly in secondary aroma stage but with appreciable presence and intensity. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannin that form its firm and classic structure, spice, white pepper and cloves infusing the slightly animally red berry fruit. This is an adorable Léoville Barton that is occupying a very "happy" place at the moment -- superb precision, old school claret at its best. Decant for an hour no more, then enjoy. Tasted July 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 October 2016
This impressive wine is a classic. Although backward, it exhibits a dense ruby/purple color in addition to abundant black currant fruit intertwined with spicy oak and truffle-like scents. The wine is brilliantly made, full-bodied, and tightly-structured with plenty of muscle and outstanding concentration and purity. It should turn out to be a long-lived Leoville Barton, and somewhat of a sleeper. However, patience will be required. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2030.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #122
A very deep garnet core. A quintessential Saint Julien nose: blackberry, touch of sous-bois, mocha and a light brushing of roasted herbs (thyme.) The palate is full-bodied, very sweet core, almost dare I say too sweet with a slight cassis/fig element that seems incongruous both to Leoville Barton and the style of the vintage. Harmonious, very fine tannins but I would have liked to have seen more reserve and breeding. Impressive nose/perplexing palate. Drink now-2018 Tasted July 2008.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Nov 2008