96
Jeb Dunnuck Tasting Note
Cassis, blackcurrants, graphite, tobacco, and a hint of crushed stone all emerge from the 2023 Château Léoville Barton, a more Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated effort that spent 18 months in 60% new French oak barrels. A final blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc, it's medium to full-bodied and stays tight, compact, and straight on the palate, with a classic Léoville Barton style. With roughly 15,800 cases produced, it's beautifully done and will have 50 years of longevity. Drink 2028-2073.
95
Wine Spectator Tasting Note
This red’s sappy intensity belies the overall modesty of the vintage, offering an enticing wave of kirsch, plum compote and blackberry reduction that melds with melted black licorice and roasted apple wood. Youthfully grippy, but a velvety accent emerges on the ink-stained, lingering finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2027 through 2042. 11,700 cases made.
95
Vinous Tasting Note
The 2023 Léoville-Barton marries the classicism the château is so well-known for with an extra kick of textural intensity from the heat of the year. It’s powerful, dark and serious, with compelling notes of black cherry, lavender, spice and blackberry. This is an especially dense, somber Léoville-Barton endowed with tremendous presence. The blend is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc, the first time Franc has appeared in the blend. This will need time to soften, as the tannins are imposing. Drink 2030-2063.
97
James Suckling Tasting Note
The tannins here are cashmere-like. You can touch it, but at the same time it is weightless and beautiful. Medium- to full-bodied and textural. Soars at the end. This is really seamless and dialed in. Third year using the cellar. 87% cabernet sauvignon, 10% merlot and 3% cabernet franc.
96
Wine Advocate Tasting Note
The 2023 Léoville Barton is a lovely classic in the making, unfurling in the glass with aromas of cassis and blackberries mingled with notions of pencil shavings, licorice and violets. Medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy, it's layered, concentrated and suave, with beautifully refined tannins, vibrant acids and a long, penetrating finish. Benefiting from the Barton family's new highly functional winery, as well as experimentation with more discreet cooperage choices, it's somewhat reminiscent of the estate's terrific 2016. The 2023 blend is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc.