In 1826, Hugh Barton, already proprietor of Chateau Langoa , purchased part of the big Leoville estate. His part then became known as Leoville Barton. Six generations of Bartons have since followed, and continued to preserve the quality of the wine, classified a 2nd growth in 1855. Ronald Barton inherited the property in 1927. He in turn donated it to his nephew Anthony in 1983. Today thevineyards are jointly owned by Anthony Barton, his daughter Lilian Barton-Sartorius and her children Manie and Damien, thus making eight generations ofBarton family at Leoville Barton. Traditional methods of wine making are maintened to producea typical Saint-Julien of elegance and distinction.
Much less expressive on the nose compared to Langoa, but certainly in possession of great purity, with fine and reserved black fruit character. Dark, heady, roasted-herb perfume, it is actually very expressive but it is also clear that this character lies on top of a much more solid and substantial wine with much deeper foundations. The palate is glorious; immediately expansive and yet tightly composed at the same time. Aromatic, perfumed, yet rich and creamy, but linear and well framed. I know I have preferred the remarkable Langoa in previous tasting but Léoville-Barton is beginning to show its breeding now.
Oenologist: Jacques Boissenot
Blend of the 2005 vintage: 3% Cabernet Franc, 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot
Ageing: 50% in new barrels during 20 month
Soil: Gravels on a clayey subsoil
Area: 45 hectares
Density of the vines: 9000 feet per hectare:
