The 2012 Leoville-Barton is a Bordeaux Blend from the renowned St Julien sub-region in Bordeaux, France. This red wine, produced by Leoville-Barton, has an alcohol content of 13.0% and is sealed with a traditional cork closure. It is a blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, harvested between October 3 and October 15 at a yield of 32 hectoliters per hectare.
The wine has received high praise from several noted wine critics. Wine Enthusiast awarded it a stellar 96 points, describing it as "firmly tannic in character, dry and extracted" with the potential to balance its very dry character with the weight of its fruit. Neal Martin's Wine Journal also gave it an outstanding review with a score of 95 points, noting its "superbly balanced palate with fine tannins" and its "focus and precision."
James Suckling scored the wine 91 points, highlighting its "floral and fruity" notes with hints of vanilla and a "crisp finish." He recommends allowing the wine a few more years to fully come together, suggesting it will be better after 2018. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also reviewed the wine favorably, giving it 92 points and describing it as a "big, rich, masculine style of wine" that will benefit from 5-8 years of cellaring and should evolve well over 25-30 years.
Vinous scored the wine 93 points, commenting on its "medium-bodied" palate with "sappy black fruit" and a "serious" demeanor that suggests it will age well. Jane Anson, with a score of 95 points, praised its "sweet notes of smoked caramel, graphite, and campfire" alongside "blackberry and cassis fruits." She found the wine to be "not generous but enticing."
The Wine Independent's Lisa Perrotti-Brown rated it 94 points, describing the wine's "medium to deep garnet-brick color" and "evocative scents of boysenberries, juicy black plums, and crème de cassis." Jeb Dunnuck also gave it 91 points, noting its "vivid ruby hue" and "beautiful cassis and darker currant fruits," finding it to be a "complex, elegant Barton."
Overall, the 2012 Leoville-Barton is a well-regarded Bordeaux blend that promises to improve with age, displaying firm tannins, rich fruit flavors, and a balanced, precise character.