2023 Chateau Leoville Barton Saint-Julien 375ml (Pre-arrival)

Wine Advocate 96 – “The 2023 Léoville Barton is showing beautifully, wafting from the glass with aromas of cassis, pencil shavings, burning embers and a discreet touch of new oak. Medium- to full-bodied, supple and layered, it’s deep, dense and classically structured, with ripe tannins, excellent purity of fruit and a penetrating finish. It’s a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc that weighs in at 13% alcohol.”
Decanter 96 – “Quite a sharp, tangy expression where acidity is at the fore right now. Bright red fruits and a clean texture. Tannins are really well integrated with tension driving the expression forward. Well crafted with lots of personality – bright and lively without trying too hard. Elegant yet there’s plenty of power here too with Cabernet markers as well as wet stones, flint and graphite elements. (Drink between 2026-2048)”