**2014 Léoville Barton [Bordeaux Blend] 1500**
The 2014 Léoville Barton is a Bordeaux blend from the esteemed St Julien sub-region in Bordeaux, France. Produced by Léoville-Barton, this wine is a red Bordeaux blend with an alcohol content of 13.5%.
The consensus among professional reviewers is that this vintage is a notable representation of the producer's craftsmanship, offering a balanced mix of elegance, complexity, and aging potential. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it a score of 94, highlighting its "pure bouquet" with "blackberry and raspberry coulis scents" and a "wonderful mineralité." The review notes that the wine has "class and sophistication," and while not as powerful as other vintages, it is "beautifully poised."
Jeb Dunnuck, who rated it 93, described the 2014 Léoville Barton as "a beauty" with "medium-bodied notes of cassis, sweet oak, spice, and flowers." He emphasized its "impeccably balanced" nature and "fresh style," suggesting it will benefit from a few years in the cellar and should age well for two to three decades.
James Suckling also gave it a score of 94, praising its aromatics of "cherries and blackberries" and its "lightly chewy yet ultra-fine tannins." He described it as "tangy and delicious" and recommended waiting until 2021 to fully appreciate its qualities.
Wine Spectator echoed these sentiments with another 94 score, noting its "solid core of cassis, blueberry confiture, and plum sauce flavors" with "warm ganache and licorice snap notes." They highlighted its "muscle" but also its ability to "stay lean and long," recommending it as a good choice from 2020 through 2035.
Vinous awarded the wine a 94, describing it as having a "seductive and beautifully composed bouquet" with "ample brambly red fruit, sous-bois, and light pencil shavings scents." The review highlighted its "well-balanced" palate with "fine tannins" and a "keen line of acidity."
Wine Enthusiast gave the highest rating of 95, emphasizing its "massive tannins and rich fruit," suggesting it is "set for a long life." They recommended drinking it from 2025 onwards.
Additional reviewers, including Jeff Leve, Decanter, The Wine Independent, and Jane Anson, provided scores ranging from 93 to 96, noting its concentration, elegance, and aging potential. Jane Anson particularly praised it as "one of my wines of the lineup," emphasizing its "classical, finessed, savoury St Julien" characteristics.
In summary, the 2014 Léoville Barton is a highly regarded Bordeaux blend with excellent reviews across the board, praised for its balance, elegance, and potential for long-term aging.
