Château Léoville Barton, 2004, Saint-Julien (AOC)

'One-Liner'
A classic Left Bank claret with cassis, cedar, tobacco and the kind of structure that has made Léoville Barton such a benchmark in Saint-Julien.

Tasting Note
Deep garnet in the glass. The nose leans into blackcurrant, plum, cedar, cigar box and earthy spice, with the maturity of the vintage now bringing a little extra savoury complexity. On the palate it is full-bodied and firmly built, with dark fruit, graphite, tobacco and polished but still present tannins. This is a mature claret, but it still carries plenty of shape and authority.

Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Sub-Region: Saint-Julien AOC
Grape(s): 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc
ABV: 13%
Friendly: n/a

Awards & Critics' Scores
Jancis Robinson – 17/20
Wine Spectator – 89 points
Neal Martin – 91 points
The Wine Doctor – 91 points

The Story
Léoville Barton is one of the great traditional names of Saint-Julien, and one of the few classed-growth estates in Bordeaux still held by the same family for generations. The Barton name has been part of the Médoc story since the 19th century, and the estate remains admired for a style that does not chase fashion: Cabernet-led, gravel-grown and built on structure, restraint and longevity. In a vintage like 2004, that character feels especially clear. This is Saint-Julien in a more classical register – balanced, proper and quietly age-worthy rather than flashy.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Classic rustic duck parmentier
- Vegetarian: Mushroom and Thyme Tart
- Vegan: Braised red cabbage with lentils and roasted onions