1995 Leoville Barton
By Chateau Leoville Barton
1995 Léoville Barton from Château Léoville Barton, St-Julien, Bordeaux
The 1995 Léoville Barton from Château Léoville Barton stands as a testament to the excellence that St-Julien is capable of producing in exceptional years. This vintage, quixotically characterised by a temperate summer followed by a timely, dry harvest season, bestowed upon the grapes an optimal ripeness with a backbone of vivacious acidity necessary for protracted maturation.
Chronicle of an Auspicious Harvest
The 1995 season in Bordeaux began atypically with a harsh winter, followed swiftly by a mild spring that propelled the vines into an early flowering period. Summer temperatures were moderate, ensuring grapes avoided the sun-scorched fate of less fortunate vintages. Rain was scarce, but timely—arriving just sufficient to nurse the vines to complete their growth cycles without undue stress.
In this tightrope of conditions, the Cabernet Sauvignon found in the soils of St-Julien achieved aromatic sophistication and tannic finery. Merlot complemented this with ripe red fruits and fleshiness ensuing from the gravely terroirs shared by the commune's prestigious châteaux.
The Alchemy of Time and Terroir
Rewarding those patient enough to relinquish corks after years in repose, this 1995 has blossomed into full expression. The bouquet alights with dark cherries, tobacco, and hints of cedar—an ode to St-Julien elegance. On the palate, layers unfold with plums and cassis, enriched further by earthy truffles and finely integrated tannins forging an undeniably graceful finish.
The investment appeal of the 1995 Léoville Barton is underscored by its robust ageing potential and its steadfast rank among peers during blind tastings over decades. To sip upon such a crafted Bordeaux blend is to comprehend both the harshness and benevolence that nature can impart on vineyard and viticulturist alike. It assures one why vintages such as this remain not merely wines but pieces of heritage; holding value far beyond monetary measure.
In summary, as each vintage narrates its tale through its unique character, the 1995 Léoville Barton serenades connoisseurs with its symphonic balance and refined depth—a vintage with an inimitable story, necessary to grace the cellars of discerning fine wine investors.
Market price (HKD)
HK$9,600.00
12x75cl
Highest score
93
POP score
76.92
Scores and tasting notes
Tasted wonderful in October 2000. A meaty rich ripe nose of cassis, mulberry and cherry. Full-bodied and expansive structure. Approachable with layers of strawberries and red fruits. A rich voluptuous Barton that should be ready in 2-3 yrs. Then blind in April 2005. A very attractive nose with a slight under-ripeness that lends it freshness and vitality. The palate is well-balanced with toasty new oak. But quite backward compared to others with a dense sweet, chocolate tinged finish. Quite modern in style on the surface, but you can tell that there is a robust classic structure underneath. Drink from 2008.
Neal Martin - Wine Advocate - Wine Journal
Somewhat closed and reticent after bottling, but still impressive, this 1995 possesses a dark ruby/purple color, as well as an oaky nose with classic scents of cassis, vanillin, cedar, and spice. Dense and medium to full-bodied, with softer tannin and more accessibility than the 1996, but not quite the packed and stacked effect on the palate, the 1995 is an outstanding textbook St.-Julien that will handsomely repay extended cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2025.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 22 February 1998