Chateau Leoville Barton St.-Julien 2020

Jeb Dunnuck : 97+ Points

(3/29/2023) The flagship from this great chateau, the 2020 Chateau Leoville Barton checks in as 85.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14.5% Merlot that saw 60% new French oak. It has fabulous aromatics of creme de cassis, graphite, liquid violets, spring flowers, and background oak. Full-bodied and concentrated on the palate, its purity of fruit is just about off the chart, it has a great mid-palate, and enough tannins to warrant 7-8 years of bottle age. This is another sensational wine from this team that will have 30-40 years of overall longevity. Maturity: 2030 - 2070.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni : 96 Points

(12/2022) The 2020 Leoville Barton is compelling. It offers up a gorgeous mix of vintage 2020 intensity married to the classicism Leoville-Barton have come to expect. Blackberry, graphite, dried herbs, menthol and dark spice abound. Whereas so many Saint-Juliens are exuberant in 2020, Leoville-Barton is very much buttoned up, showing just a twinkle of mischief that lets you know the best is yet to come. Drinking Window: 2030 - 2060.

The Wine Independent : 98 Points

(12/20/2023) The 2020 Leoville Barton has a deep garnet-purple color. It is incredibly primary and youthful with expressive scents of creme de cassis, ripe juicy plums, and black raspberries, opening out to hints of vanilla pod, coffee, star anise, and tilled soil. Medium-bodied, the palate is beautifully restrained, with lovely tension and firm, very fine-grained tannins, finishing so long and achingly graceful. Wow! Drinking: 2028 - 2055.

James Suckling : 96 Points

(5/14/2023) Aromas of dark berries, ash, tar, blackcurrants and lead pencil, following through to a medium to full body, with firm and integrated tannins and a medium, chewy finish. Needs four to six years to soften and come together. Very tight and nicely structured. Try in 2027 and onwards.

Wine Enthusiast : 96 Points

(4/1/2023) Dense and with velvety tannins, this wine has great structure and concentration without being too weighty. This solid wine is sure to age. Drink from 2027. Cellar Selection.

Wine Spectator : 96 Points

(3/31/2023) A bold, strapping young wine, with vivid plum, cassis, kirsch and black licorice notes that meld steadily as they cruise through, carried by a bolt of graphite and finishing with a flourish of violet, anise and apple wood. Mouthwatering in the end. Built for the cellar. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2030 through 2045.