At a glance

Producer

Château Léoville Barton

Region

Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blend (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$120 - $180 (retail as of 2024)

Tasting profile

Dense blackcurrant, cedar, graphite, and tobacco leaf aromas with underlying mineral tones. On palate, concentrated fruit balanced by precise tannins and lively acidity.

Evolution: Developing secondary bouquet of leather, earth, and spice over next 5 to 10 years, tannins will soften but structure remains firm.

At peak: Complex layers of dark fruit, subtle oak integration, refined tannins, and a long, persistent finish.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-plus acidity, providing freshness and aging support

Tannins

Firm and well-structured, classic Saint-Julien grip

Alcohol

13.5%

Aging potential

30-40+ years under proper cellaring

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2038

Optimal window

2022 to 2041

Current status

Approaching early maturity; approachable but can improve with more cellaring

Current condition

The wine shows tight structure with firm tannins and vibrant acidity, some primary dark fruit notes and slight cedar oak influence. Still youthful with significant aging potential.

The 2013 vintage in Saint-Julien, Bordeaux is classic with good balance and typicity. The wine's combination of firm tannins, structured acidity, and quality oak aging ensures a long drinking window. Optimal drinking years tilt towards mid to late 2020s and beyond as the wine softens and complexity evolves.

Food pairing

Pairs beautifully with red meats such as roast lamb or beef, game birds, aged cheeses, and dishes with earthy mushroom sauces.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To help open up the firm tannins and allow the complex aromas and flavors to blossom

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Water conservation via controlled irrigation, use of cover crops to maintain soil health, and integrated pest management to reduce chemical usage. Mild efforts in reducing energy consumption at estate level, including some energy-efficient equipment.

While not fully organic or biodynamic certified, Château Léoville Barton has implemented several sustainable viticulture and winery practices typical for high-end Bordeaux estates aiming to balance tradition with environmental considerations. The carbon footprint is impacted mainly by global shipping but somewhat offset by local sourcing of grapes and moderate packaging weight.