Château Léoville-Barton 2ème Cru St-Julien 2012

Description

Thomas Barton, an Irish trader arrived in Bordeaux in 1725. He became an important figure in the wine trade but never purchased any vineyards. But his son Hugh did! He purchased Château Langoa in Saint-Julien and also acquired that part of the Léoville estate, which would become Léoville Barton. The 45 hectare 2nd growth estate  remains in the family today under the stewardship of Lilian Barton. Her children Melanie and Damien have both joined the family business. 

'Dense ruby/purple, with cassis licorice and forest floors notes in the aromatics, Léoville-Barton’s 2012 is a relatively big, rich, masculine style of wine. This full-bodied wine needs 5-8 years of cellaring and should evolve easily for 25-30 years.' 92pts, Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (218), April 2015

'The Grand Vin is a blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc picked between 3 and 15 October at 32hl/ha. It is more introspective than the Langoa at this early stage, but perhaps more complex with subtle tertiary and pencil lead scents infusing the black fruit profile. The palate is superbly balanced with fine tannins, delineated black and red fruit infused with graphite borrowed north from Pauillac. It exudes focus and precision and should be one of the finest Saint Julien 2012s.' 93/95 pts, Neal Martin, Tasted April 2013, RobertParker.com