2003 Leoville Barton
By Chateau Leoville Barton
2003 Leoville Barton from Chateau Leoville Barton, St-Julien, Bordeaux
In the exceptional vintage of 2003, Chateau Leoville Barton has once again outdone itself with an astoundingly resilient and articulate representation of St-Julien's prowess. The burdened vines, under the scorching European summer heat, gave birth to a harvest of profound complexity and vigor, a testament to the adept stewardship of the Barton family and the unyielding grace of their terroir.
Characteristics of an Unyielding Vintage
The 2003 Leoville Barton from Chateau Leoville Barton, decidedly emblematic of this challenging season, shines with a tenacity that can only stem from profound vineyard husbandry and masterful vinification. Connoisseurs will note its dark ruby hues, lascivious legs ensuing an opulent bourgeon on the swirl—a harbinger of both structure and power.
Tasting notes commend its intricate bouquet—cassis, cedarwood, and a subtle hint of tobacco interlace to seduce the olfactory sense before cascading across the palate with remarkable balance between the ripe tannins and vivacious acidity. This epicurean odyssey lingers with a finish that endures, a true hallmark of investable wines. Traces of graphite and smoky oak accentuate the sensorial journey, befitting an aged jewel within one's cellar portfolio.
An Investment You Can Taste
As wine investment aficionados seek bottles with age-worthy potential, 2003 Leoville Barton stands among prestigious peers. This St-Julien titan demonstrates how endurance can emerge even amidst nature's sternest trials. The wine's harmonic equilibrium suggests it is experiencing a magnificent plateau in its lifecycle—an opportune moment for those looking to diversify their assets with fine wine that encapsulates the spirit of a particularly storied vintage.
In following traces from grape to glass, investors will find that 2003 Leoville Barton encapsulates not just the essence of an extraordinary year but also epitomises Chateau Leoville Barton's historic commitment to excellence—a sophisticated addition to any collection desiring stature and substance.
Market price (HKD)
HK$11,040.00
12x75cl
Highest score
96
POP score
72.5
Scores and tasting notes
A spectacular success, the opaque plum-colored 2003 Leoville Barton is still on the young side of its plateau of maturity. It exhibits a striking bouquet of forest floor and black currants as well as a full-bodied, exuberant, youthful style, an opaque plum/ruby color, a lot of complexity, and striking depth and richness. This is a profound, stunning effort from Anthony Barton and his team. Bravo! It should continue to provide immense pleasure for 20-30 years.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 27 August 2014
Tasted at Bordeaux Index's "10-Year On" tasting in London. The Leoville Barton 2003 has a lifted bouquet of blackberry, raspberry coulis, liquorice and flecks of dark chocolate - all very defined and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with a sumptuous entry - seamless tannins, quite plush in the mouth but perhaps missing some complexity and vigour towards the finish. It is drinking beautifully now, though the question nagging my mind is...for how long? Tasted March 2013.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2013
Currants and plums with mint on the nose follow through to a full body, with soft and velvety tannins and a new wood, ripe fruit aftertaste. Tight and firm, but wait until after 2012 to pull the cork.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, March 14th 2011