Château Leoville Barton Saint-Julien 2020 (13.5% ABV) — 94
SF | Dense obsidian; a nose of smoke and briary ; peat after a bonfire and the distant call of the rose garden. Pure red fruit underwrites the ensemble and marks out the palate, enhancing the effect of its acidity and bringing the finely etched tannins into sharp focus. A preternaturally attractive Leoville, careless, in its elegance, it seems, of the warmer inclinations of the vintage... 94
AJ | Saturated dense black-red; opaque at the core Sweet, warm, burdened and exciting to smell, not only with considerable fruit force but also with some secondary complexities stealing into the wine (citrus peel, thyme). Appetising and ultra-classical on the nose. Ample and singing on the palate, this is another fine site which shares in St Julien's success this year. Lovely fruit purity and energy dominates the palate, and there are softer, finer tannins than at Langoa to lend support. This covers the palate beautifully, and the multi-decade tradition of ultra-drinkability from Leoville Barton seems certain to be a feature of 2020. Truly moreish already, and the future just has to intensify that.Drink Dates: 2027 - 2040.