Chateau Leoville Barton 2011

Professional reviews

Robert Parker (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.

Winespectator (92)

This has some slightly rugged grip, with a prominent charcoal frame. Delivers ample flesh at the core, offering plum cake, currant preserves and smoldering tobacco leaf notes, offset by a tangy hint of anise. Should settle in well enough after modest cellaring.

Rene Gabriel (18)

Rene Gabriel rates this wine 18/20 points.

BOW (8)

James Suckling (92)

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

Jancis Robinson (17)

Tasted blind. Bright crimson. Lots of intrigue in a still-dumb nose. Very dense and solid with notes of stones and cassis. Solid fruit density compensates for the tannin and the acidity is not intrusive. Old fashioned but not faulty.

Wine Enthusiast (95)

Great swathes of fruit cross the tannic core in this impressive wine. Hints of wood aging peek out from beneath the sumptuous richness and spice. It is ripe, dense and obviously set for long aging.