2017 Chateau Leoville Barton

Once part of a much larger vineyard that included Chateau Leoville Las Cases and Chateau Leoville Poyferre, Second Growth producer Chateau Leoville Barton now spans 47 hectares and is owned by the same family as Chateau Langoa Barton. In fact, there is no Chateau on the property, and the image on the label is actually that of Langoa Barton where the wines are made.

Wines from this property are traditional and sturdy in style, and the best vintages can require decades to reach their peak. Vineyards are planted to 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc.

Other Reviews....
The 2017 Leoville Barton is deep garnet-purple in color with a nose of warm cassis, fresh blackberries and blueberries with hints of violets, dark chocolate and licorice. Medium-bodied with a rock-solid frame of grainy tannins and wonderful freshness, it gives a fantastic core of fruit and wonderful length.
91-93 points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - Wine Advocate #236 (April 2018)

This manages to pack in some serious plum, blackberry and black currant compote flavors, along with layers of melted black licorice and tar on the finish. This has a density that sets it apart from the pack in the vintage, with a lovely roasted apple wood note on the finish.—J.M.
93-96 points
Wine Spectator

This is a really excellent Leoville-Barton with wonderful cabernet sauvignon character of blackberries, blackcurrants and flowers. Full body, firm and lightly chewy tannins and a long and beautiful finish. This has tension and brightness.
94-95 points
James Suckling

This is an impressive wine, full of both plush fruit and firm tannins. It is rich, generously structured supporting layers of ripe black fruits. It is concentrated, yet elegant with a full mouthfeel. This is a wine to age. Drink this major wine from 2024.
95-97 points
Wine Enthusiast

The 2017 Léoville Barton has a high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon this year at 93%, the remainder is Merlot. It was picked between 15 and 18 September for the Merlot and 22 to 29 September for the Cabernet Sauvignon, then aged in 60% new oak. It has a perfumed and pure bouquet that demonstrates a little more cohesion and refinement than some of its Saint-Julien peers. Blackberry and touches of bilberry fruit, cedar and crushed stone – this is a knockout nose with bags of potential. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannin, perfectly pitched acidity and beautifully integrated oak. Seriously, this is nudging (not equaling, nudging!) the 2016 in terms of quality and there are just a handful of properties where I can state that this year.
93-95 points
Neal Martin - Vinous

One of the few truly exceptional Left Bank wines of the vintage, the 2017 Léoville-Barton is simply fabulous. The 2017 also has the distinction of having a very high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon. Inky crème de cassis, white flowers, lavender, crushed rocks, menthol and spice give the 2017 a distinctly layered, resonant feel. The 2017 offers fabulous density and structure, although the tannins need time. The blend is 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Merlot. The September rains were especially challenging for the Merlot and Cabernet Franc. As a result, Cabernet is pushed up in the blend, while there is no Franc at all. Tasted two times.
93-96 points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous

The deep, inky-colored 2017 Léoville-Barton is a classic, powerhouse wine from this estate that’s going to need bottle age. Loads of black and blue fruits, violets, classy oak, and ample minerality all soar from the glass. It’s medium to full-bodied, concentrated, and backward on the palate. With fabulous purity and integrated acidity, forget bottles for 5-6 years and enjoy over the following two decades. The blend in 2017 is 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Merlot, harvested from the 15th to the 29th of September, and aging in 60% new French oak.
94-96 points
Jeb Dunnuck