A splendid showing, much stronger from bottle than it was from barrel, the Leoville Barton is one of the spectacular wines of the vintage. Inky purple to the rim, its huge tannin gives this wine real potential for 30-50 years of longevity. It is a classic, powerful Bordeaux made with no compromise. A superstar of the vintage, the wine has notes of pen ink and creme de cassis, good acidity, sweet, subtle oak, and massive extraction and concentration. I thought it was one of the most backward wines of the vintage two years ago, and nothing has changed in the ensuing upbringing of the wine in cask except that the wine now seems even richer, denser and fuller than I previously thought. The beautiful purity, symmetry, and huge finish of nearly a minute make this one of the all-time great classics from Leoville Barton. Anticipated maturity: 2028-2065+. Score: 96+ Robert Parker

A very concentrated, perfectly balanced wine with powerful, dark fruit aromas and hints of leather, exotic spices and tobacco. The palate has an intense core of dark plum fruit with bright, raspberry and redcurrant notes on the edges. The tannins are firm and structured and there is an exotic cedar wood character on the finish. Full bodied, rich and structured with superb length, this wine merits long maturation. Drink 2020 - 2040.