Château Léoville Barton - Saint-Julien 2001

Wine Advocate

92 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe6/30/2004

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.

Wine Spectator

92 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe3/31/2004

Gorgeous aromas of crushed blackberries and flowers. Medium- to full-bodied, with well-knit tannins and a silky, caressing palate. Long. This is a wonderful wine. Lots of finesse. Best after 2008. 22,500 cases made.

Wine Advocate

89-91 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2003

I had variable tastings on the 2001 Leoville Barton, something I noticed in 2002 as well as 2003. This big, full-bodied, backward, concentrated offering displays a certain angularity and austerity. Although full-bodied, deep, chewy, tannic, and concentrated, it is also somewhat astringent and firm. If it all comes together, this will be a long-lived classic not too far off the pace of the majestic 2000. That looks like something of a gamble at this point, but this is an uncompromising, traditionally made wine that needs time. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025.

Wine Advocate

87-89 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2002

Following their profound 2000, Leoville Barton's 2001 appears to be an indifferent effort from this perennial overachiever. The color is a handsome dense ruby/purple. The nose offers up hints of black fruits, licorice, earth, and cedar. High tannin gives this medium-bodied wine an astringent bite, firmness, angularity, and austerity. For now, it lacks sufficient fat and stuffing to achieve total harmony. Hopefully, the barrel aging process will promote additional texture and fat over the next 6-12 months. There is no question that this St.-Julien is compressed and pinched in style. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2018?