96

Antonio Galloni

Vinous

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

95

Neal Martin

Vinous

In some ways, the 2020 Léoville Barton has become more serious than when I encountered it from barrel. It's lost its puppy fat and delivers quite intense blackberry, blueberry and incense aromas, a little oak to be assimilated yet still very focused. The palate is medium-bodied with a "coolness" on the entry, taut yet deep with a core of black fruit that lacquers that mouth. It's like a Bentley purring on the finish that is very persistent - an outstanding Léoville Barton. 12/2022

95+

Lisa Perrotti-Brown

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

A superb wine, the 2020 Léoville Barton exhibits generous aromas of blackberries and crème de cassis mingled with hints of licorice, pencil shavings and classy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, broad and fleshy, with a concentrated core of fruit, sweet tannins and a nicely defined finish, it bears some similarities with the estate's demonstrative 2000 vintage, even if the two growing seasons were quite different. I suspect it will tighten up with more time in bottle, hence the plus sign next to my score, but right now, the 2020 is unusually accessible out of the gates. 04/2023

94

Jean-Marc Quarin

Jean-Marc Quarin

Couleur sombre, intense et pourpre. Nez intense, fin, fruité, subtil et pur. Délicat en entrée de bouche et doué d’une texture minutieuse, raffiné au toucher, un brin discret au milieu, le vin s’achève sur une longueur normale, à la tannicité élégante. Assemblage : 85,5 % cabernet sauvignon, 14,5 % merlot. Degré d’alcool : 13°6. Rendement : 34 hl/ha.

96

James Suckling

James Suckling

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. 05/2023