22 May 2022

2021 is a landmark vintage for Léoville Barton and Langoa Barton for two reasons.  This is the last vintage to be made in the lifetime of the great Anthony Barton, who passed away this year at 91, and who did so much to create the modern reputation of these estates for unerring consistency and a simple, classical expression of terroir.  It is also the first vintage of these wines to be made in a brand new winery, with all the modern advantages of precision vinification. 

For Jane Anson, the first of these reasons alone is enough to make the 2021s a must-buy, "in memory of Anthony Barton".  The Wine Advocate's William Kelley focuses more on the second reason, noting a new precision to the fruit in Léoville Barton, which he attributes to the new cellar, describing the result as "a terrific success" (93-95 points).  Neal Martin finds the same precisely delineated fruit in 2021 Langoa Barton, "quite a gorgeous Saint Julien that will age beautifully in bottle" (91-93 points).

What we observed most when tasting both wines was how much like 'themselves' they tasted, particularly Léoville Barton.  This is a remarkable feat, to express such a clear, understated identity and terroir, year-in, year-out, whilst capturing the essence of the vintage.  In that sense at least, nothing has changed at these two great châteaux.

Offered en primeur landing spring 2024. Magnums available, other formats on request.

Landing spring 2024.

To order, e-mails sales@richardkihl.ltd.uk

Producer Profile

Château Léoville Barton, St-Julien Grand Cru Classé

Château Léoville Barton is a Deuxième Grand Cru Classé in St.-Julien.

Léoville-Barton was once part of the great Léoville estate, which encompassed what are now Léoville-Barton, Léoville-Poyferré and Léoville Las Cases. 

Irish Bordeaux merchant Hugh Barton (a friend of fellow Irish merchant Bernard Phelan of Phélan Ségur) first settled in Bordeaux in 1722.  The Bartons first purchased Langoa and then in 1826 bought that part of the Léoville estate which was to become Léoville-Barton.  With no château of its own, Léoville-Barton is made at Langoa. This is also the château featured on the label. 

The 50 hectares of vineyards are planted to 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc.  The soils are gravel over clay, with a high proportion of old vines.

The Barton's spent the majority of their time in Ireland until Ronald Barton took over.  He became the first Barton to be based at the estate.  His nephew Anthony Barton, who took over in 1983, did much to define the austere, classical style here, favouring traditional vinification and as little intervention as possible, to allow the wine to express its terroir.  The estate is now run by Anthony's daughter, Lilian Sartorius-Barton.