2008 Chateau Leoville-Barton

ABOUT THE WINE
Château Léoville Barton is the smallest portion of the great Léoville estate and has been owned by the Barton family since 1826. There is no château and the wine is made at Langoa Barton. Léoville Barton's 48 hectares of vineyards are located in the east of the St-Julien wine appellation and lie on gravelly-clay soils. Since Anthony Barton took over the reins from his Uncle Ronald in the mid-80s, quality has soared at Léoville Barton and the wine has gone from being a solid mid-league performing 2ème Cru Classé to one of the most exciting and scintillating wines in St. Julien.

TASTING NOTES
Powerful, heavily-extracted, built for the long-term. Ripe, opulent aromas – blackberry, fig, cedar, smoke – and an oak-rich, grippy palate, with prune, cassis and black olive on the long, lingering finish. Best from 2020, and will age well until around 2050.

FOOD PAIRING
Smoked duck, beef stew or lamb leg are all perfect pairings.

FRIARWOOD SAYS
Just entering its drinking window; drink or hold.