The 2004 Château Léoville-Barton presents a classic, balanced profile, showcasing a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. Aged in 60% new oak, it offers aromas of ripe red berries, cedar, and hints of earthiness and smoke. While it is well-structured with solid tannins, the wine is still evolving and feels slightly reserved, with a dry, aristocratic finish. The medium-bodied palate reflects the vintage’s more restrained character, and the complexity is present but developing. This wine will benefit from additional cellaring, and while it’s enjoyable now, it promises greater depth and refinement in the coming years. Drinkable now through 2025, with potential for longer aging.

Decanter | D 92
Published: 22 Mar, 2024
Drink: 2024-2045

Picking began on 30 September for the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blend from Léoville-Barton; after fermentation, the ageing was done in 60% new casks. The wine is now showing some development, with slightly fading colour and the beginning of cedar, smoke, and earth notes to the blackberry fruit. Although everything was balanced and reasonably elegant, it lacked the depth and concentration to carry it to the next level for many tasters at our horizontal tasting, but I had it third from the top in its flight.
Closure: Natural Cork
Alcohol: 13.00%
Body: Full
Oak: Oaked
Grapes: 2% Cabernet Franc 75% Cabernet Sauvignon 23% Merlot

The Wine Advocate | RP 91
Published: Jan 30, 2011
Drink: 2011-2025

Tasted at the French Embassy in London. At six years of age, the Leoville Barton is developing quite a refined bouquet with brambly red-berried fruits laced with cedar and a touch of sage. The palate is medium-bodied with rounded, ripe red fruits, a generous dose of cedar and firm, dry tannins that segue into a dry, aristocratic finish. Conservative, but charming. Drink now-2025. Tasted November 2010.

Jancisrobinson.com | JR 16
Published: Mar 5, 2014
Drink: 2011-2022

Thick and sweet and severe. Dry finish.

Leoville-barton.com

Blending: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon 23% Merlot 2% Cabernet Franc
Alcohol13°
Dates of manual harvest: From 30th September to 11th October
New barrels: 60%

Tasting
Remarkable power exudes from the rich and complex structure here, all this embellished by aromatic notes of leather and cigar box.
The steady, imposing framework upholds a marvellous diversity of flavours, with complex, almost voluptuous accents maintained by the perfectly ripe tannins.