2014 Chateau Leoville-Barton

FRIARWOOD SAYS. “The 2014 Château Léoville-Barton is classic Saint-Julien – poised, mineral and built to age. It’s beautifully composed today with a short decant, but the real reward lies in cellaring. Expect increasing complexity and finesse over the next two decades.”. ABOUT THE WINE. A revered Second Growth in Saint-Julien, Château Léoville-Barton has been in the Barton family since 1826 and is renowned for its traditional, terroir-first style. 2014 delivered a cooler, classical profile with brightness, precision and superb balance. True to the estate’s ethos, this vintage emphasises purity over power, seamlessly marrying Cabernet-driven structure with refined élevage.. TASTING NOTES. Deep ruby. An elegant nose of blackcurrant, blackberry and raspberry coulis, with pencil shavings, cedar, sous-bois and a discreet vanilla lift. The palate is medium to full-bodied with fine, tensile tannins, a keen line of acidity and a distinct saline–mineral thread. Intense yet controlled, finishing long, vibrant and zesty with cassis and graphite lingering.. FOOD PAIRING. Superb with roast lamb and rosemary, beef rib or venison loin; equally at home with classic daubes and mushroom–truffle dishes. Hard cheeses such as Comté or aged Cheddar highlight the wine’s savoury nuance.. DRINKING WINDOW. Approachable with a decant, but best 2025–2045+.