Chateau Leoville Barton 2003

Date of Tasting: 26 March 2016

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc

Alcohol: 13%

Origin: Bordeaux, France

Appellation: Saint-Julien, Deuxieme Grand Cru Classe 1855

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR100

Web: http://www.leoville-barton.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 97/100
Critics' Opinion: WA - 96/100, WS - 98/100, WE - 95/100, ST - 93/100, DC - 19.5/20, JR - 17/20, CT - 94/100

Appearance: Opaque and inky purple.

Aroma: Forest floor, mushroom, mild truffle, dark fruits, earth.

Palate: Rich, big, and powerful. Fine and smooth tannins. Wonderfully long in the mouth with black fruits and oak characters. 

Stunning is the only word for me with this red Bordeaux. It was Chateau Leoville Barton which brought me into the world of "God Blood" and it is still as fabulous. My kind of Bordeaux really. For this Leoville Barton 2003, it was just spectacular for a hot year. It at first stroke me hard with powerful bouquet of earth and spring which followed by concentrated fruits, and signed of mature Bordeaux. The spectacular lovely nose of truffle was what I admire. Silky on the palate too. Though it was big, elegance was as well another shining character. Entering its drinking period now but long life is ahead. Wish I had cases of this Saint Julien. Raise many more glasses, Bravo!!!

Score Explanation

95+ = classic and extraordinary

90+ = outstanding in its class

85+ = recommended wine with some degree of enjoyment

80+ = drinkable occasionally

WA = Wine Advocate
AG = Antonio Galloni
WS = Wine Spectator
WE = Wine Enthusiast
JR = Jancis Robinson
DC = Decanter
JS = James Suckling
BH = Burghound
FS = Falstaff Magazine
ST = Stephen Tanzer
CT = Cellar Tracker Average Score