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The Estate
Château Léoville Barton is a historic estate in the Saint-Julien appellation, with a heritage dating back to the 18th century. It is one of the three properties that emerged from the former Léoville estate, alongside Léoville Las Cases and Léoville Poyferré. In 1826, Hugh Barton, an Irish wine merchant based in Bordeaux, acquired this part of the vineyard and passed it down to his descendants. Since then, the château has remained in the hands of the Barton family, a rarity in Bordeaux. Although the estate does not have a château on-site, the name Léoville Barton is synonymous with tradition, excellence, and family continuity.
The Léoville Barton vineyard covers approximately 50 hectares, situated on gravelly ridges from the Garonne, which provide optimal drainage and excellent grape ripening conditions. The grape composition is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (74%), complemented by Merlot (23%) and a touch of Cabernet Franc (3%). This exceptional terroir, combined with sustainable viticulture and manual harvesting, allows the production of wines with great finesse and remarkable aging potential. The winemaking process blends tradition and precision, with fermentation in stainless steel vats and aging in French oak barrels (60% new each year), which imparts structure and complexity to the wine.
The estate primarily produces its grand vin, Château Léoville Barton, a second growth classified wine that embodies the power and elegance of great Saint-Julien wines. It is distinguished by aromas of blackcurrant, cedar, and spices, with silky tannins that evolve beautifully over time. In addition, the château offers a second wine, La Réserve de Léoville Barton, made from younger vines and vinified with the same care, but in a more approachable and indulgent style. More recently, the Barton family expanded its range with a third wine, Mademoiselle de Léoville Barton, designed to be enjoyed in its youth, offering a softer and fruitier interpretation of the terroir. These cuvées reflect the estate’s expertise and commitment to producing exceptional wines while remaining true to their Médoc heritage.
The Wine
The harvest is carried out entirely by hand. After destemming, the grapes are meticulously sorted, crushed, and placed in temperature-controlled wooden vats according to their parcels. Alcoholic fermentation lasts between 7 and 10 days, with extraction carefully managed by adjusting the number of pump-overs depending on the cuvées and vintages. Maceration lasts around three weeks before the wine is transferred to barrels, lot by lot. It is then aged for 16 to 18 months in French oak barrels, 60% of which are new, in a cellar maintained at 15°C.
Tasting
A ball at the court of Venice... Fragrance of white flowers and acacia intertwine, in delicate lace-like touches, with the sweet violet of bygone days... In fine, always measured strokes, carrying this nectar into a moment beyond time.
