96
Jeb Dunnuck Tasting Note
The 2009 Château Léoville Barton is a classic beauty from this estate that actually reminds me slightly of the 1990. Revealing a deep ruby/plum hue as well as brilliant aromatics of ripe currants, cedar pencils, darker, herbal, tobacco-like nuances, and some chocolaty, spice box-like nuances, it offers full-bodied richness on the palate, with a layered, deep, concentrated, yet classic Barton focused mouthfeel, sweet tannins, and outstanding length. This is just pure Bordeaux goodness that's on the early slopes of its prime drinking window. This brilliant, powerful, textured Saint-Julien has another 20-30 years of longevity ahead of it.
95
Wine Spectator Tasting Note
This is powerful Cabernet, with gutsy weight, but polished feel to the fresh plum, warm blackberry sauce, bittersweet ganache and roasted apple wood notes. Long and tarry through the finish, but still invigorating despite its heft. Will need some time to round fully into form. *Ranked #6 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2012* (JM)
93
Vinous Tasting Note
(a blend of 77% cabernet sauvignon, 22.5% merlot and 0.5% cabernet franc; 13% alcohol) Deep ruby. Sexy, exotic aromas of spicy blackcurrant, cedar, sweet tobacco and coconut hint at great depth and complexity. Then floral on the palate, with chewy, dense, rich flavors of black fruits, tobacco and chocolate nicely lifted by a distinct flintiness. Initially sweet and voluptuous, this turns slightly dry and chalky on the long, pure, sassafras-and spice-accented finish. A delicious if very young Leoville-Barton-and at a rare-for-the-vintage 13% alcohol.
96
James Suckling Tasting Note
A super-classic St.-Julien that only has a hint of the opulence of the vintage. The beautiful cassis fruit and elegantly dry tannins push briskly through the long and graceful finish. (Horizontal Tasting, London, 2019)
95
Wine Advocate Tasting Note
This behemoth possesses massive extraction, an opaque purple color, huge density, extreme tannins, and a nearly endless finish. Everything is there, but the highly extracted style and off the chart tannins ensures that no one over the age of forty will ever see this wine hit full maturity. Nevertheless, there is a lot to admire, and it-s good to taste a wine that will not be ready to drink for 30+ years. No compromise! Drink: 2040