The top estates of Bordeaux have crafted universally fine wines in 2020 and the Léoville-Barton ranks among the best. Given the current pricing for top-quality Bordeaux, Château Léoville-Barton in St. Julien is offered at a relatively reasonable price, well below the cost of its "Second Growth" peers. The 2020 Léoville-Barton is a beautiful rendition of St. Julien style. The bouquet is layered with opulent blackcurrant, blackberry and plum fruits. The rich fruit is underscored by cocoa, violet, herb and toasty oak nuances. When tasted, layer upon layer of ripe fruit cascades across the palate, enhanced by an exotic range of herb, cedar, tobacco, cocoa and baking spice hints. The 2020 Léoville-Barton is a classic St. Julien and offers a complex and harmonious style that will reward several decades of cellaring.
Château Léoville-Barton, Saint-Julien (Bordeaux, France) 2020
By Wayne Belding