Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

There are a number of things I can say about Leoville Barton. For me, it is a storied property and experience.

To this point, I have had quite a few 2000 Bordeaux’s, none of them ready as this one. Given what I know about Anthony & his legacy, most of his good vintages were made for your children. So, color me surprised.

While this 2000 is drinking well, it is far from its precipice. There is another 20 yrs plus of road here.

Sofia and I have had the pleasure of dining at the same table with Anthony Barton and his wife in the early teens of 2000. He was a salt of the earth gentleman. His wife, lovely. At dinner that night, he told us a story I will not forget. A story prompted by a question from my wife. He and his wife drove from France to Switzerland. They were stopped at the border and asked to get out of the car as they had a case of wine with them. At that time and maybe still now, you can’t take wine over the border into Switzerland. The border guard called the powers to be and recanted the story of them trying to bring wine into Switzerland. He told them their name. The person on the other end of the phone said, who? They said, Anthony Barton. The reply, was let him through. That’s respect!!!

His daughter Lilian has taken the helm. She is also salt of the earth and a great Bordeaux Ambassador. May Anthony RIP.

This 2000 is classic Bordeaux in every way.

The nose shows steeped & candied fruits that are; blackberries, black raspberries, both plums, poached strawberries, black cherries, purple & blue fruit hues (classic Barton). Graphite, dry tobacco, dry leather, dry limestone bits, dark Asian spices, dry herbs, dry river stone, dark, rich, forest floor, anise to black licorice, mid colas, fresh, candied to withering florals that are; dark, red, blue and violets.

The palate shows, M+ rounded, fine grain tannins. The nose mirrors the palate in many ways. Steeped, candied, ripe, juicy fruits that are; brambly blackberries, black raspberries, both plums, poached strawberries, black cherries, raspberries, purple & blue fruit hues. Leoville Barton shows purple & blue fruits more than most other left bank producers. Graphite, dry tobacco, cedar, dry leather, dry limestone bits, dry top soils, saline, caramel, mocha powder, German chocolate cake, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanillin, dark Asian spices w/ some heat, dry herbs, touch of black pepper, grilled meats, dry river stone, dark, rich, forest floor, anise to black licorice, black tarriness, mid colas, fresh, candied to withering florals that are; dark, red, blue and framed in liquid violets, acidity is grand, well balanced/structured, highly toned, elegant & smartly polished finish that lasts minutes and settles on earth & dark spice.

Decanted 90 minutes and enjoyed over nearly three hours.

Appreciated the 12.5% ABV. Many would say that is not possible in the modern wine era. Anthony says otherwise w/ his 2000.

95-96. — 18 days ago

Ken Southall

9.0

A bit of oak with a long finish. $30 — 8 months ago

Anne Richardson

9.1

A delightful white wine! Fresh and lively. We enjoyed it on Christmas Eve with Seared scallops & garlic-herb risotto. — 3 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

See previous Delectable Note for the 2009 vintage from 88 weeks ago. Similar tasting note with a nose of Compost Heap, Sous Bois and dirty red and black cherry. Still a strong core of energy - could go on for another 5 years. Arguably Australia’s greatest Pinot Noir - definitely of Grand Cru quality. A lovely textured medium bodied palate. Only 40 dozen made. Philip Jones said at the time that 2009 was one of his best vintages, although to be honest he has made a few just as good, if not better, since. — 3 years ago

Mary Bell

9.0

Nice and balanced — 6 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

Wonderful earthy perfume of red fruits, rose petals, mushroom, decayed plant matter, sous bois. Aromas that you go back to time and time again - intoxicating. Medium bodied palate with resolved Tannins, M minus acid and M plus length. Really should not have a Bass Phillip Premium under 10 years of age. 2009 was a good year for BP so Phillip Jones said at the time, but they would have had vintages since which equal or slightly better this. One of Australia’s best Pinot Noirs. — 7 years ago

Peter van den Besselaar

9.1

vintage 1986 | 40 y old, beautiful wine with great intensity — 2 months ago

Matt Schwartz

9.3

Rich deep flavors. Caramel, vanilla, burnt sugar, oak and warm spices. — 3 months ago

Stephanie Becker

9.3

Recommended by wine lady at Wegmans for our AppyHour cheese box — 6 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

I have never been disappointed by this producer, either in their proprietary Cabernet or their other wine this “The Sisters.” — 7 months ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.1

2016 vintage. Floral nose. An elegant, fresh medium-bodied Moulis with soft tannin and good length. Fine value. — 10 months ago

Paul J

9.3

Same as previous bottles/notes, but starting to fade. — 3 years ago

with Brooke

Anthony Auger

9.0

Mint and pear on the nose. Upfront there’s a really interesting impression of cotton candy or bubblegum. Then I get a mild apple cider vinegar and tart pear note. Finishes with a strong lemon oil linger. Aged pretty nicely, only a hint of ferment that I actually kind of linked! — 6 years ago

Mike Modugno

9.0

Clean with floral notes. — 6 years ago

Austin Blackwell

9.2

Expressive nose with black fruits and leathery notes. Needs a decant but certainly approachable now. Nice firm tannins. — 3 months ago

with Angelina

Michael Younkins

9.3

Red berries on the nose and tongue. Excellent wine. — 5 months ago

with Laurie

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.9

I have written notes on 4 bottles of the 97 Jones Family Cabernet. This is the most perfect.

I have had all the Napa Cult Cabernets. None have ever rocked my palate/whole body the way this 97 Jones has done.

This is sadly my last bottle. I think it has finally hit its precipice. So, enjoy. If there are others that appear on the secondary markets, you’ll have to out dual/bid me.

I could write more notes but my previous ones will still apply plus. I am simply going to enjoy near perfection w/o further notes. Cheers! 🍷

Coravined bottle from last weekend relaid in storage. If I had a long enough thin tongue, I’d lick the inside of the bottle. 🤔😂 😋

#TheTwoHourSteak — 6 months ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.2

Medium deep garnet core with slightly wider terracotta rim . Quite exuberant nose , more dark fruits than the Barton , spicy , cedar notes , touch of funk , swimming pool note also . On the palate quite spicy more intense black fruits , cassis , sous bois , coffee , saline , mineral tinged sea spray notes . Balanced acidity and quite rounded but noticeable tannin . Long and denser on the finish than the Barton . Showing well now but can go another 10 years no problem — 2 years ago

Bojan Pavlovic

9.5

Flows down nicely, fruity, low acidity and was a delicious pairing with a classic lasagna. — 5 years ago

with Mirco

Oleksandr Sperchun

9.4

Очень приятное свежее шардоне, отлияная кислотность, аромат цитрусы — 6 years ago