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Château Léoville Barton

Bordeaux

Address:

Chateau Léoville Barton et Chateau Langoa Barton, Chateau Langoa Barton, 33250 Saint-Julien-Beychevelle, France

Website: 

Winemaker:

Damien Barton-Sartorius

First Vintage:

1821

Accepts Visitors:

Special Request

PRESTIGE

average rating is 4 out of 5

4

Summary

Nestled in the renowned Médoc region, on the Left Bank of Bordeaux, France, Château Léoville Barton stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of fine winemaking. This illustrious estate, classified as a Second Growth (Deuxième Cru) in the historic Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855, is a jewel in the appellation of Saint-Julien.

Château Léoville Barton's distinguished history dates back to the 18th century. Originally part of the vast Léoville estate, it was divided in the 1820s after the French Revolution. The Barton family, of Irish descent, came into possession of what is known today as Léoville Barton in 1826 when Hugh Barton purchased the property. Unlike many other châteaux in Bordeaux, Léoville Barton has remained within the same family for generations, with the current leadership under the charismatic and respected Anthony Barton and his daughter Lilian Barton Sartorius.

The estate's architecture is notably understated, as there is no grand château on the property—a rarity among its prestigious peers. Instead, the heart of the winery lies in its traditional vinification facilities and the beautiful, historic manor house located at its sister estate, Langoa Barton, which is also owned by the family.

Spread over approximately 50 hectares (about 124 acres), the vineyards of Château Léoville Barton are planted predominantly with Cabernet Sauvignon, which accounts for 74% of the grape variety. The remainder is divided between Merlot (23%) and Cabernet Franc (3%), which are planted on the estate's rich gravelly soils, ideal for producing wines of exceptional structure and longevity.

The vineyard care is meticulous, with a steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship, and a focus on traditional methods, such as hand harvesting and a reluctance to overly rely on modern technology. These practices ensure that every bunch of grapes is treated with the utmost respect, resulting in wines of extraordinary elegance and finesse.

Château Léoville Barton's winemaking process favors the classic Bordeaux style. The wines are aged in French oak barrels, with a modest amount of new wood to ensure the wine's character remains true to its terroir. The result is a stunning portfolio of deep, full-bodied wines characterized by their rich, layered tannins, and a harmonious blend of dark fruit, floral, and earthy notes, with the potential to age gracefully for decades.

Each vintage of Château Léoville Barton's grand vin reflects the estate's philosophy of precision, balance, and expressive terroir. Wine connoisseurs often note the consistency and quality of the wine, which strikes an impeccable balance between power and elegance, a hallmark of the Saint-Julien appellation.

Visitors to Château Léoville Barton may not find an opulent castle, but they will discover a working winery full of authenticity and charm. The tastings and tours offer an intimate glimpse into the dedication behind the creation of each bottle. Here, amidst the rolling vineyards and historic cellars, guests can savor the wines and experience the noble heritage that continues to define Château Léoville Barton as a beacon of excellence in the world of fine wines.

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