The 2006 Château Léoville-Barton is a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. It opens with a rich, opulent bouquet of crushed violet and black cherry, similar to a fine Margaux, though it calms with aeration. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with fine balance, a gentle grip, and solid tannins, showing a backward, tightly knit structure. With aging, it reveals complex flavors of dark fruit, oak, and a lingering liquorice finish. The wine is currently in its early stages and will benefit from further cellaring, offering great potential over the next few decades.

The Wine Advocate | RP 92
Published: May 30, 2016
Drink: 2025-2045

Tasted at Bordeaux Index's annual 10-Year On tasting in London. The 2006 Chateau Leoville-Barton has a surprisingly rich and opulent bouquet at first, although it calms down with aeration, offering crushed violet and black cherry scents, reminiscent of a fine Margaux. The palate is medium-bodied with a gentle grip in the mouth. Here the class begins to appear with fine balance and poise, but like the Langoa, it lacquers the mouth with tannins and feels very backward, surprising given the vintage. Cellar this for another decade, folks. Tasted January 2016. 

Decanter | D 92
Published: The three Leovilles of Bordeaux
Drink: 2018-2035

This wine has spent much of the last 10 years closed up and is just starting to come round, loosening the shackles of its tannins. Now reaching the next phase of its life, I like the unloosening of this previously tightly knit structure, and the dark heft of the cassis and bilberry fruit. The mid-palate is full of purpose with a great kick on the finish. Lovely potential.
Closure: Natural Cork
Alcohol: 13.00%
Body: Full
Oak: Oaked

Jancisrobinson.com | JR 17
Published: May 5, 2016
Drink: 2018-2035

Tasted blind. Dark crimson. Very dense and pungent. A Léoville? Real intensity.

Leoville-barton.com

Blending
78% Cabernet Sauvignon
20% Merlot
2% Cabernet Franc

Alcohol 12.5°
Dates of manual harvest
From 21th September to 1st October
New barrels 60%

Tasting
The first impression of severity here is due only to its youth. The components will soften with ageing. Meanwhile the profile that is developing shows a rich complexity, with aromas of fruit stones and cherry, highlighted by discreet hints of oak. In the palate, density and depth are the main character traits, with solid tannins and lingering liquorice on the finish.