2017 Leoville Barton
By Chateau Leoville Barton
2017 Leoville Barton from Chateau Leoville Barton, St-Julien, Bordeaux
In the resplendent tapestry of Bordeaux offerings, the remarkable 2017 vintage from Chateau Leoville Barton weaves its unique thread, demonstrating the estate's stronghold in St-Julien. With each carefully nurtured bottle, the deft hand of tradition is palpable, bequeathing investors and connoisseurs alike a robust narrative of terrestrial lineage and winemaking virtuosity.
An Epoch Of Elegance: Exceptional Harvest Tales
The 2017 harvest was no stranger to adversity; its tales narrate frosts that imparted havoc upon many vineyards across Bordeaux. Yet, this particular vintage at Chateau Leoville Barton emerged defiantly unscathed—spectacularly harnessing what can only be described as an interplay of luminous vivacity and graceful maturity in spite of nature's caprice. This triumph is reflected magnificently in the glass—a testament to scrupulous viticultural stewardship and terroir expression.
Defining Distinctions: The St-Julien Sentinel
This 2017 Leoville Barton exudes a bouquet that delights with well-articulated scents hinting at crème de cassis interlaced with piquant spice and florid undertones—with resolute tannins staging a firm yet cultured structure. On the palate, a symphony unfolds; dark fruits cavort with tobacco and a hint of graphite heralding sublime complexity. Such characteristics set this year's yield apart, allowing drinkers to traverse the layered depths of this thoughtfully storied vintage.
Graceful ageing is written into the destiny lines of this wine; its compelling potential for evolution assures its position as one of the most investable bottles from the 2017 vintage within Bordeaux's prolific library.
Assured collectability alongside dignified drinking pleasure epitomise the essence of the 2017 Leoville Barton from Chateau Leoville Barton—imbuing it with an undeniable allure to those vested within vinous investments' ever-expanding realm. Illustrating both steadfast resilience in a challenging climatic scenery and an unyielding commitment to excellence, this vintage stands out as a beacon for lovers of St-Julien's opulent offerings.
Market price (GBP)
£560.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
37.33
Scores and tasting notes
This is a really excellent Leoville-Barton with wonderful cabernet sauvignon character of blackberries, blackcurrants and flowers. Full body, firm and lightly chewy tannins and a long and beautiful finish. This has tension and brightness.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com
This manages to pack in some serious plum, blackberry and black currant compote flavors, along with layers of melted black licorice and tar on the finish. This has a density that sets it apart from the pack in the vintage, with a lovely roasted apple wood note on the finish.—J.M.
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - winespectator.com
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Léoville Barton charges out of the gate with bold notions of baked plums, crème de cassis and blueberry preserves plus wafts of pencil shavings, fragrant earth and cedar chest. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-coating black fruit preserves with compelling herbal sparks and a firm, grainy texture, finishing long and lively.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 16 March 2020
One of the few truly exceptional Left Bank wines of the vintage, the 2017 Léoville-Barton is simply fabulous. The 2017 also has the distinction of having a very high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon. Inky crème de cassis, white flowers, lavender, crushed rocks, menthol and spice give the 2017 a distinctly layered, resonant feel. The 2017 offers fabulous density and structure, although the tannins need time. The blend is 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Merlot. The September rains were especially challenging for the Merlot and Cabernet Franc. As a result, Cabernet is pushed up in the blend, while there is no Franc at all. Tasted two times.
Antonio Galloni - Antonio Galloni - vinous.com - May '18
The 2017 Léoville Barton has a high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon this year at 93%, the remainder is Merlot. It was picked between 15 and 18 September for the Merlot and 22 to 29 September for the Cabernet Sauvignon, then aged in 60% new oak. It has a perfumed and pure bouquet that demonstrates a little more cohesion and refinement than some of its Saint-Julien peers. Blackberry and touches of bilberry fruit, cedar and crushed stone – this is a knockout nose with bags of potential. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannin, perfectly pitched acidity and beautifully integrated oak. Seriously, this is nudging (not equaling, nudging!) the 2016 in terms of quality and there are just a handful of properties where I can state that this year.
Neal Martin - Neal Martin - vinous.com - May '18
The 2017 Leoville Barton is deep garnet-purple in color with a nose of warm cassis, fresh blackberries and blueberries with hints of violets, dark chocolate and licorice. Medium-bodied with a rock-solid frame of grainy tannins and wonderful freshness, it gives a fantastic core of fruit and wonderful length.
Wine Advocate - Lisa Perrotti-Brown - robertparker.com