Léoville Barton 2008

Black fruits enrich the nose lots of power and depth. The palate has black cherry and blackcurrant with some fresher bramble and bilberry in the middle then a touch of dark chocolate and liquorice richness. The tannins are firm but feel ripe and the richness of the black fruits fills out the back palate. 2017-2030

Another blockbuster, long-term wine from proprietor Anthony Barton, this 2008 is among the biggest, most back-strapping efforts of the vintage. As with many vintages of Leoville Barton, it is best forgotten for another decade. An inky/purple color is followed by notes of forest floor, camphor, red and black fruits, and a hint of wood. This brawny, masculine-styled St.-Julien possesses huge body, massive concentration, and mouth-searing levels of tannin. However, the tannins are much sweeter than the 2005's were at the same stage, so that should not be an issue as long as potential purchasers exercise patience. This impressively pure, classic Bordeaux should be at its finest between 2020-2050.

Tasted ex-château and single blind in Southwold. The Leoville Barton 2008 has a very ripe, opulent bouquet that reminded me of Poyferré! It has impressive definition and purity; very good lift but there is a lot of oak to be subsumed. The palate is medium-bodied with a succulent, velvety entry that disguises its serious tannic backbone. It is very stylish and suave, although there is just a touch of dryness towards the finish. I think it will improve with another decade on the clock. Tasted January 2012.

A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, similar to Langoa this is very ripe and rich on the nose - blackberry, a touch of cedar, fig and Xmas cake. Good definition. The palate is tannic, masculine, good level of ripeness with cedar, blueberry, cassis and blackberry. Very assertive, really lacquers the mouth although I cannot help but think it is a degree too sweet on the prune-tinged finish. Tasted April 2009

The nose is packed with power all very black fruited. There is a lot happening on the palate, the firm cassis and sloe fleshed out by plum, enriched by dark chocolate and coffee and given an underlying freshness by bilberry. A tannic structure supports the power house of fruit that lasts long on the palate.