Tasting Notes

98
Inside Bordeaux Jane Anson - 14 Sep 22
Deep ruby red, this is great stuff, broad-shouldered, laced with aniseed, liqourice, touches of bitter black chocolate, muscular tannins and a luscious fruit core. Lip smacking stuff, with 2005 energy and excitement. Gets more serious as it opens, revealing black pepper spice, sage, rosemary and white pepper. A wonderful wine, one to sink into. You can easily wait to drink this, and it will reward another three to five years in bottle, then go for decades. If you do open it, give it a long carafe. 50% new oak.
Drinking Date: 2024 - 2050
96
Vinous Antonio Galloni - 01 Apr 21
The 2005 Léoville-Barton is clearly one of the wines of the vintage. Powerful and strapping in the glass, the 2005 is a big, big wine. Huge swaths of tannin wrap around a core of inky black fruit, new leather, spice, gravel, mocha and licorice. The wine's sheer density is impressive, but its balance is even more compelling. I might be temped to give this another few years in the cellar. Readers lucky enough to own it will find a thrilling, potent Saint-Julien that overdelivers big time. I loved it.
Drinking Date: 2023 - 2045
95
The Wine Independent Lisa Perrotti-Brown - 20 Dec 23
The 2005 Leoville Barton is deep brick-colored. It needs a fair bit of shaking to wake up notes of blackberry preserves, crème de cassis, mince pie, and kirsch, giving way to a perfume of candied violets and wood smoke, plus a hint of cardamom. The light to medium-bodied palate is laden with black and red berry layers, supported by firm, ripe, grainy tannins and seamless acidity, finishing with epic length and depth. Gorgeous!
Drinking Date: 2022 - 2037
Saint-Julien Fine Wine

Saint-Julien

Saint-Julien, a prestigious Bordeaux appellation in the Médoc, is famed for its balanced red wines, blending the power of Pauillac with the elegance of Margaux. Typically made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, these wines offer rich fruit flavours, refined tannins, and vibrant acidity. Known for their finesse, complexity, and long ageing potential, top producers include Château Léoville-Las Cases, Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, and Château Gruaud-Larose. Saint-Julien wines are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.