Léoville Barton - Saint-Julien 2023

Vinous

93

byNeal Martinthe2/1/2026

The 2023 Léoville Barton takes time to open in the glass, delivering vivid blackberry and briar mixed with cedar, delicate floral scents of peony surfacing with time. It is typical Barton but with greater precision compared to vintages 10 or 20 years ago. The palate is medium-bodied with finely chiseled tannins, pretty, not powerful or weighty, yet light on its toes with ample mineralité on the finish. More approachable than the 2022, this is an excellent Léoville Barton.

Jamessuckling.com

96

byJames Sucklingthe1/27/2026

A classy Leoville-Barton. Aromas of raspberries, currants, lavender and a hint of cedar. Medium-bodied, showing very fine tannins that are integrated and polished, with brightness and precision. Very attractive. Drinkable now, but better after 2028.

My Bettane + Desseauve

94-95

by Bettane & Desseauvethe5/15/2024

Excellent corps, boisé mieux intégré que dans les millésimes précédents, grâce à un travail intelligent sur l’origine des bois. La finale doit encore se fondre mais le vin a du style et même du panache.

Yvesbeck.wine

96-97

byYves Beckthe5/14/2024

Léoville Barton freut sich, dass er St-Julien und seine Terroirs auf pointierte Weise verkörpern kann; nehmen wir zum Beispiel die Noten von Graphit, Zedernholz und Zigarrenkisten, die durch den Duft von schwarzen Beeren, Süßholz und Pfingstrosen ergänzt werden. Am Gaumen ist der Wein von der Gelassenheit, die er gleich zu Beginn an den Tag legt, beeindruckend. Er schafft die Verbindung zwischen Eleganz und Kraft, zwischen Temperament und Geschicklichkeit, zwischen Tiefe und hoher Definition. Er ist ein wahrer Gentleman, kurz gesagt… und ein sehr, sehr zuverlässiger Wein!

Jeb DUNNUCK

93-95

byJeb Dunnuckthe5/13/2024

The 2023 Château Leoville Barton is another terrific wine from this château, and it plays in the fresh, vibrant, lively style of the vintage beautifully. Utterly classic blackcurrants, ripe tobacco, graphite, and cedar pencil notes define the aromatics, and this beauty is medium to full-bodied, has terrific concentration, the pure, focused, mineral-driven style of the vintage, building yet ripe tannins, and a great finish. It has plenty of acidity as well as tannins and is built for the cellar. The blend is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc, raised in 60% new oak. Harvest dates were the 12th of September to the 2nd of October.

The Wine Cellar Insider

93-95

byJeff Levethe5/6/2024

Black cherries, mint, cigar box, flowers, and cassis form the core of the perfume here. On the palate, the concentrated wine offers a big, chewy mouthful of black currants, spice, peppery herbs, and sea-salt. The finish has real staying power. The wine is the quintessential description of a modern version of a classic vintage. The wine is a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc, 13% ABV. The harvest took place September 9 - October 2. The length of picking is the key to the success of the vintage here. Drink from 2028-2060. 93-95 Pts.

Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

97

byJane Ansonthe5/6/2024

Step into the heart of what St Julien does best here, firm and muscular but thoroughly juicy tannins, concentrated blackberry and cassis fruits that are mature but full of finesse, with just the right amount of precision and tension. This is a wine where a single glass will not be enough, and reminds you that in 2022 the wines were exceptional but atypical for many Bordeaux lovers. Here you get an understated gloriously drinkable St Julien from long-term owners the Barton family that will go the distance. 60% new oak for ageing.

Vinous

93-95

byAntonio Gallonithe4/30/2024

The 2023 Léoville-Barton marries the classicism the château is so well-known for with an extra kick of textural intensity from the heat of the year. It’s powerful, dark and serious, with compelling notes of black cherry, lavender, spice and blackberry. This is an especially dense, somber Léoville-Barton endowed with tremendous presence. The blend is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc, the first time Franc has appeared in the blend. This will need time to soften, as the tannins are imposing. Tasted two times.

Vinous

92-94

byNeal Martinthe4/29/2024

The 2023 Léoville Barton was picked from September 12 to October 2 and aged in 60% new oak. This takes a long time to settle in the glass, unfolding with black fruit, wild mint and a subtle seaweed scent. This Saint-Julien gains cohesion with aeration—a bit of pep. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. A touch of dark chocolate infuses the black fruit, harmonious with a patina of new oak that will integrate with time. This is classic Léoville Barton from tip to toe, and whilst it does not match the imperious 2022, it is a very impressive follow-up due to its interwoven elegance.

Falstaff

95

byPeter Moserthe4/29/2024

Deep dark ruby colour, opaque core, purple reflections, brightening on the rim. Fine herbal savouriness, cassis, dark cherries, floral nuances, candied orange zest in the underlay. Juicy body, red cherries, fine tannins, freshly structured, mineral and clinging, full of finesse with an animating style, shows length and good ageing potential, a delicate wine.

Alexandre Ma

96-97

byAlexandre Mathe4/28/2024

Wine Advocate

94-96

byWilliam Kelleythe4/26/2024

The 2023 Léoville Barton is a lovely classic in the making, unfurling in the glass with aromas of cassis and blackberries mingled with notions of pencil shavings, licorice and violets. Medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy, it's layered, concentrated and suave, with beautifully refined tannins, vibrant acids and a long, penetrating finish. Benefiting from the Barton family's new highly functional winery, as well as experimentation with more discreet cooperage choices, it's somewhat reminiscent of the estate's terrific 2016. The 2023 blend is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc.

Jamessuckling.com

96-97

byJames Sucklingthe4/25/2024

The tannins here are cashmere-like. You can touch it, but at the same time it is weightless and beautiful. Medium- to full-bodied and textural. Soars at the end. This is really seamless and dialed in. Third year using the cellar. 87% cabernet sauvignon, 10% merlot and 3% cabernet franc.