Château Léoville Barton

Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 2000

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

There are a number of things I can say about Leoville Barton. For me, it is a storied property and experience.

To this point, I have had quite a few 2000 Bordeaux’s, none of them ready as this one. Given what I know about Anthony & his legacy, most of his good vintages were made for your children. So, color me surprised.

While this 2000 is drinking well, it is far from its precipice. There is another 20 yrs plus of road here.

Sofia and I have had the pleasure of dining at the same table with Anthony Barton and his wife in the early teens of 2000. He was a salt of the earth gentleman. His wife, lovely. At dinner that night, he told us a story I will not forget. A story prompted by a question from my wife. He and his wife drove from France to Switzerland. They were stopped at the border and asked to get out of the car as they had a case of wine with them. At that time and maybe still now, you can’t take wine over the border into Switzerland. The border guard called the powers to be and recanted the story of them trying to bring wine into Switzerland. He told them their name. The person on the other end of the phone said, who? They said, Anthony Barton. The reply, was let him through. That’s respect!!!

His daughter Lilian has taken the helm. She is also salt of the earth and a great Bordeaux Ambassador. May Anthony RIP.

This 2000 is classic Bordeaux in every way.

The nose shows steeped & candied fruits that are; blackberries, black raspberries, both plums, poached strawberries, black cherries, purple & blue fruit hues (classic Barton). Graphite, dry tobacco, dry leather, dry limestone bits, dark Asian spices, dry herbs, dry river stone, dark, rich, forest floor, anise to black licorice, mid colas, fresh, candied to withering florals that are; dark, red, blue and violets.

The palate shows, M+ rounded, fine grain tannins. The nose mirrors the palate in many ways. Steeped, candied, ripe, juicy fruits that are; brambly blackberries, black raspberries, both plums, poached strawberries, black cherries, raspberries, purple & blue fruit hues. Leoville Barton shows purple & blue fruits more than most other left bank producers. Graphite, dry tobacco, cedar, dry leather, dry limestone bits, dry top soils, saline, caramel, mocha powder, German chocolate cake, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanillin, dark Asian spices w/ some heat, dry herbs, touch of black pepper, grilled meats, dry river stone, dark, rich, forest floor, anise to black licorice, black tarriness, mid colas, fresh, candied to withering florals that are; dark, red, blue and framed in liquid violets, acidity is grand, well balanced/structured, highly toned, elegant & smartly polished finish that lasts minutes and settles on earth & dark spice.

Decanted 90 minutes and enjoyed over nearly three hours.

Appreciated the 12.5% ABV. Many would say that is not possible in the modern wine era. Anthony says otherwise w/ his 2000.

95-96. — 15 days ago

Tom, ESF and 12 others liked this

Tom Casagrande

Love the story

Château Vieux Robin

Médoc Cru Bourgeois Red Bordeaux Blend 1999

Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7

9.3

Great cork & freshness, needs air to fully evaluate,
K&L notes as follows

This property was a Bill Blatch favorite-and as usual I have never visited the property which is located in Begadan. Château Vieux Robin is a family owned Cru Bourgeois estate located in Begadan at the far north of the Médoc. 5th generation owners Maryse and Didier Robin have made huge strides in terms of quality since they took over in 1988. Didier Robin, who learnt his trade at Château Clarke, is a skilled winemaker and now produces 4 different cuvées of ascending quality.There are only 18 hectares of vines and Vieux Robin is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot. Old school Bordeaux with 12% alcohol. Over 20 years old and still lively and fresh. No fancy oak here-just good Merlot and Cabernet.
Drink from 2021 to 2025 — 4 years ago

Rob, Shay and 20 others liked this

Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7

Trying to drink these old ones to fit the Austin Hope cases @Rob Brobst III sold me

Severn G

Does Mega Purple settle out if you cellar long enough?

Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7

If you hold it long enough Austin Hope will be the first GELIFIED Bottle,

John Anthony Vineyards

Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

John Malcolm

Extraordinary. Inky, deep purple color. Intoxicating bouquet. Plums, blackberries, dark cherries, chocolate, and a hint of tobacco. Full mouth feel. Elegant. Complex. A finish with a hint of sweetness. Decant for at least 60 minutes - it’s worth the wait. — 7 years ago