Chateau Leoville Barton 2018

Country: France Region: Bordeaux (St.Julien)

Varietal: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc

Vintage: 2018 Colour: Red Style: Red

Producer: Chateau Leoville Barton

Description:

Irishman Thomas ‘French Tom’ Barton, one of the so called ‘Wine Geese’, left Co. Fermanagh for France in 1722 and became a merchant, initially trading French brandy for Irish wool before becoming a highly successful Bordeaux wine merchant. His grandson Hugh bought Ch. Langoa Barton in 1821 and a section of vineyards from the Léoville estate in 1826. Both were included in the famous 1855 classification and are unusual in still being owned by the same family. Current owner Anthony Barton was born in 1930 in Straffan House, built by Hugh, and it is now the K Club, but the estate is run by his daughter Lilian Barton Sartorius, the ninth generation. Ch. Leoville Barton has never had its own chateau and the pretty one on the label is in fact Ch. Langoa Barton, where both wines are made.

Tasting Note: "Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Léoville Barton needs a little swirling to coax out delicate notions of fresh blackberries, mulberries and cassis, plus touches of pencil shavings, clove oil, charcoal and black truffles. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers a great intensity of earth and mineral-laced black fruit flavors, supported by firm, ripe, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing on a lingering ferrous note." Robert Parker

Food Matches: This Chateau Léoville Barton would be a perfect match with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, or pasta as well as cheese.