Parker about Château Leoville Barton 2000
I found this to be one of the more backward wines of the 2000 vintage and gave it a window of maturity of 2015-2040 when I reviewed it in 2003. In my two recent tastings of it, I changed that window to 2018-2050, which probably says more than the following tasting note could say. This is a behemoth – dense, highly extracted, very tannic, broodingly backward, with a dense purple color and very little evolution since it was bottled 8 years ago. Wonderfully sweet cedar and fruitcake notes are intermixed with hints of creme de cassis, licorice, and earthy forest floor. It is full-bodied and tannic, with everything in place, but like so many wines that come from Leoville Barton, it makes a mockery of many modern-day consumers wanting a wine for immediate gratification. Those who bought it should continue to exercise patience and be proud to own a wonderful classic with five decades of longevity ahead of it.
Description
Land | France |
Region | Bordeaux Saint Julien |
Rebsorten | Cabernet Sauvignon 70%, Merlot 20%, Cabernet Franc 8%, Petit Verdot 2% |
Alkoholgehalt | 12.50% |
Füllstand | Into Neck |
Verschlußart | cork stopper |
Kennzeichnung | Contains sulphites |
Farbe | Red |
Inverkehrbringer | Leoville Barton, 33250 Saint-Julien-Beychevelle, France |
Charakter | Dry |
Servierempfehlung | Decant at 16-18°C |
Trinkempfehlung | 2018 - 2050 |
Parker Punkte | 95+ |
Jahrgang | 2000 |
Bordeaux Saint Julien, France 🇫🇷

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Château Leoville Barton 2000

Château Léoville Barton 2000 is an outstanding wine from the Saint-Julien appellation in the Bordeaux region, a vintage known for its exceptional quality and longevity. The 2000 vintage is considered one of the finest in Bordeaux, producing wines of intense concentration, structure, and harmony.
The wine presents a deep, almost impenetrable ruby red color, emphasizing its density and youthfulness. The bouquet is complex and opulent, with intense aromas of black currants, blackberries, and ripe plums. These fruit notes are complemented by subtle nuances of cedarwood, tobacco, leather, and a subtle mineral note. Hints of violet, truffle, and fine spices add additional depth and refinement.
On the palate, Château Léoville Barton 2000 is powerful yet elegant, with an impressive tannin structure that is well-integrated and smooth. The fruit flavors are intense and rich, supported by nuances of dark chocolate, mocha, and a delicate roasted aroma. The acidity is perfectly balanced, lending the wine freshness and ensuring a harmonious overall texture.
The finish is long and complex, with persistent fruit and spice notes that linger on the palate long after the last sip. The balance between fruit, tannin, and acidity demonstrates the immense potential of this wine, which will continue to evolve and refine over many decades.
Château Léoville Barton 2000 is a wine of exceptional quality and class, impressively embodying the elegance and structure of the Saint-Julien appellation. This vintage already offers a magnificent drinking experience and has the potential to develop into a true masterpiece over many years. A must-try for lovers of great Bordeaux wines.
Château Leoville Barton
Information about the winemaker:
The history of Château Léoville Barton dates back to the 18th century. The estate was founded in 1826 by Hugh Barton and has remained under the ownership and management of the Barton family ever since. The Barton family has a deep connection to the Bordeaux region and has nurtured the estate for generations.
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