Chateau Leoville Barton   Leoville Barton

2011 Leoville Barton

By Chateau Leoville Barton

2011 Leoville Barton from Chateau Leoville Barton, St-Julien, Bordeaux

In the constellation of Bordeaux vintages, fine wine investors turn to certain years for their breakthrough performances and pedigreed poise. The 2011 Leoville Barton from Chateau Leoville Barton is one such vintage, with the St-Julien estate displaying their comprehensive mastery over a challenging season.

 

A Vintage of Resolution and Resilience

The terroirs of St-Julien are no strangers to fluctuations, and the 2011 vintage was a test of the winemaker's ability to preempt and respond to climatic caprices. Post an auspicious start, the growing season encountered perturbations, but it is precisely such conditions that refine both grapes and grape-crafters. The capabilities of the venerable team at Chateau Leoville Barton resonated through their peerless management of these elements, resulting in a paradigm of balance between structure and suppleness in their 2011 offering.

 

The Palate Paints a Picture

On the palate, the 2011 Leoville Barton is an articulate ambassador for its place and time. The encapsulation of ripe cassis and blackberry notes intertwined with beguiling aromas of tobacco and moist earth distinctions is evocative. It carries the signature backbone of firm tannins, yet aged with grace to reveal textural intricacy akin to finely woven silk—a testament to deft barreling and discerning cellar practices.

As one delves deeper into the glass, secondary notes unfold—hints of pencil shavings and fresh cedar that punctuate without overwhelming, typical of the well-heeled virtues ascribed to St-Julien’s character.

For myriad reasons, strategic acquisition of this vintage makes for a judicious addition to any diversified portfolio. The 2011 Leoville Barton not only represents resilience but also an understated elegance that matures beautifully, somewhat analogous to an astute investment maturing to its peak potential.

 

An Expert’s Perspective

This vintage stands as a beacon for those seeking depth rather than breadth: it does not shout but rather whispers its worth. Holding this vintage within one's investment repertoire speaks volumes about the perspicacity of one who values substance along with sparkle—a simultaneous nod to tradition and tenacity from Chateau Leoville Barton.

Current market price

£600.00

12x75cl

Highest score

94

POP score

42.86

Scores and tasting notes

93-95

The Leoville Barton has a very elegant bouquet that takes time to unfurl. There are lovely notes of blackberry, dark plum and a touch of graphite. It unfurls beautifully if you lend it five minutes. The palate is very well balanced with fine tannins, good substance, very elegant and refined with a natural, slightly earthy finish that is long in the mouth. Superb persistency

Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2012

92

A sleek, refined wine with blueberry, mineral and dried-flower character. Medium to full body with firm tannins. Bright and racy. Better in 2018.

James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, February 19th 2014

90-92+

Leoville Barton's 2011 is head and shoulders above its sister offering, Langoa Barton. Although not as backward as I expected given the general style that emerges from Anthony Barton's beloved St.-Julien estate, this wine will need time in the bottle once it is released in several years. An opaque purple color is followed by aromas of damp earth, underbrush, black currants, cedar and hints of vanillin and incense. Medium to full-bodied and moderately tannic with good acidity as well as excellent delineation and purity, it should be forgotten for 4-5 years, and drunk over the following two decades.

Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #200

88

Firmly structured, dense and medium-bodied with moderate tannin, this austere and backward yet well-endowed 2011 needs 5-7 years of bottle age. Whether the fruit holds up to the tannic structure remains to be seen, but the dark ruby/purple color, purity and impressive depth as well as concentration augur well for future positive development. Forget this 2011 for 5-6 years and drink it over the following 15-20.

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 April 2014

Vintage performance