1990 Leoville Barton
By Chateau Leoville Barton
1990 Leoville Barton from Chateau Leoville Barton, St-Julien, Bordeaux
In the realm of fine Bordeaux, one vintage persists as a benchmark of excellence—the 1990 Leoville Barton from Chateau Leoville Barton. The 1990 season greeted St-Julien with weather that vigneron dreams are made of, marking a year that many a claret aficionado remembers with a fond, wistful sigh.
An Exemplar of Elegance
The considerable climatic grace of 1990 bestowed upon Leoville Barton's vineyards a harvest that could only be described as a gift from the heavens. The resulting wine, now enjoying its third decade, is replete with the sophistication and ripe complexities that one would expect from such an esteemed lineage.
This particular bottling holds a certain enigmatic quality that continues to unfurl its layers with each passing year. It strides forth with the lush cassis and blackberry jam nuances typical of the finest St-Julien offerings, but it is the 1990 vintage's characteristic refinement that sets it apart. An opulent frame of well-integrated oak and velvet tannins encapsulates the deep fruit, while whispers of tobacco and earth underpin its formidable structure.
A Wine Investor's Delight
For connoisseurs and investors alike, the 1990 Leoville Barton is a testament to the time-honored adage of patience being rewarded. Its current state affords delectation, yet it stands well within its longevity—a compelling proposition for collectors eying future appreciation. As such, it represents an astute addition to any serious wine investment portfolio.
In fine balance between the vigor of youth and the wisdom of maturity, this particular vintage remains undeniably one of St-Julien's most persuasive ambassadors. The 1990 Leoville Barton exhibits the kind of resplendent aging potential that makes it a venerable candidate for any judicious oenophilic undertaking.
Truly an investable luxury, this esteemed libation from Chateau Leoville Barton coaxes out veritable pleasures long sought by those who pursue vinous magnificence. A siren song to both palate and portfolio, this Bordeaux beauty effortlessly entwines immediate gratification with profound investment merit.
Market price (GBP)
£1,550.00
12x75cl
Highest score
93
POP score
119.23
Scores and tasting notes
Believe it or not, the 1990 Leoville Barton can actually be drunk - something that cannot be said about the broodingly backward, still excruciatingly tannic 1982. The exceptionally concentrated 1990 reveals more polished, sweeter tannins along with a big, sweet kiss of black currant, forest floor, cedar, and spice box notes. While it still has some tannins to shed, this full-bodied, powerful, long wine is approachable. It should continue to evolve for another two decades. Release price: ($350.00/case)
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 June 2009
This is a glorious Leoville-Barton, even if I have experienced some bottle variation in the past. This one has a deep garnet core with russet rim. The bouquet is firmly entrenched within its secondary aromas, evolving a Pomerol-like personality with black truffle, scorched earth, damson and roasted chestnuts. The palate is medium-bodied, as if it has lost a little weight over the last couple of years, but very well balanced with good delineation. Wild mushrooms, a touch of cracked black pepper, sous-bois, hints of Provencal herbs and cedar towards the finish. Just a lovely Leoville-Barton to cherish. Drink now-2020. Tasted May 2009.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Nov 2009