Chateau Leoville Barton   Leoville Barton

2001 Leoville Barton

By Chateau Leoville Barton

2001 Leoville Barton from Chateau Leoville Barton, St-Julien, Bordeaux

In the revered echelons of Bordeaux excellence, the 2001 vintage of the illustrious Leoville Barton from Chateau Leoville Barton casts an indelible silhouette against the rich tapestry of St-Julien's vinous output. Two decades into its existence, this particular vintage encapsulates a narrative that began with an auspicious growing season, bespoke in its moderate climate, and resulting in a yield that balanced both ripeness and structure.

 

An Investment Grade Legacy

The turn of the millennium presented challenges to many Bordeaux estates; however, Chateau Leoville Barton's tenacity shone brightly with the 2001 vintage. Smart investors who recognise the inevitable maturation curve of fine claret are fully aware that a wine of this pedigree unfurls its complexity over time. The 2001 Leoville Barton is one such treasure, meticulously crafted under the discerning eye of Anthony Barton.

 

Chronicle of a Claret: The Enigmatic 2001

The nose gives a choreographed performance of blackcurrant, cedar and tobacco – quintessentially St-Julien but rounded and evolved with the passage of time. On the palate, one is greeted by a symphony of finely tuned flavours - cassis, leather and earthy tones perfectly counterposed by a mature tannic spine. This vintage manifests a persistent finish that resonates with echoes of spice and truffle.

Having thrived modestly through its infancy, 2001 Leoville Barton has emerged from its chrysalis with utmost grace. Today it speaks in hushed tones not of bombastic fruit but of wisdom gained through years - a stately component for collectors and investors aligned with the ideal maturation window for prime consumption.

 

A Cornerstone for Connaisseurs

The allure for connoisseurs and investors alike in acquiring bottles like the 2001 Leoville Barton from Chateau Leoville Barton lies not only in their proven longevity but also in their steadily escalating value driven by limited supply. With every year that passes, this well-aged claret brings not only increased potential for delight upon decanting but also heightened anticipation for the enriched complexities yet to unveil themselves.

As we contemplate this Bordeaux jewel within the sphere of fine wine investment, it's clear that the 2001 Leoville Barton holds a sacred ground. Singular in expression and yet universal in its appeal, it serves as a beacon for seasoned patrons seeking enlightenment through one of Bordeaux's most revered labels.

Current market price

£1,020.00

12x75cl

Highest score

94

POP score

72.86

Scores and tasting notes

94

A very ripe blackberry and blueberry nose that is lacking some definition. Just a little muffled. The palate is full-bodied, sinewy, good grip with toasty tannins. Blackberry, cedar, mint, tobacco with a very fine tannic off-dry finish. Very correct, good breeding, surfeit finesse on the finish. Tasted October 2007.

Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2008

92

Consistent from bottle (I tasted it three times), this is an outstanding offering, although not quite at the prodigious level of the 2000. Civilized and approachable for a young Leoville-Barton, it exhibits a saturated plum/purple color along with classic Bordelais aromas of damp earth, creme de cassis, smoke, vanillin, and tobacco. Medium to full-bodied and rich, with high but well-integrated tannin, and a long, 40+ second finish, it should turn out to be a brilliant effort, and one of the stars of the Medoc. However, patience is essential. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2020.

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 June 2004

Vintage performance