1990 Léoville-Barton, St-Julien
SKU #950165
94 points
Decanter
Damien Barton-Sartorius was born in 1990, and he’ll be happy to hear that this vintage stands up well against the 1989. It has clearer tannins, is deeper and still virile, taking a long time to open in the glass but then holding on, getting more and more interesting. Sill pretty young, with rich, velvety and well-handled tannins, plus a vibrant core of cassis and mulberry notes. Well balanced, confident and deeply spiced. (JA)
(10/2018)
93 points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Believe it or not, the 1990 Leoville Barton can actually be drunk - something that cannot be said about the broodingly backward, still excruciatingly tannic 1982. The exceptionally concentrated 1990 reveals more polished, sweeter tannins along with a big, sweet kiss of black currant, forest floor, cedar, and spice box notes. While it still has some tannins to shed, this full-bodied, powerful, long wine is approachable. It should continue to evolve for another two decades. (RP) 93+
(6/2009)
93 points
Wine Spectator
Dark ruby color with a red edge. Subtle aromas of black cherry and plum, with hints of mineral and smoke. Full-bodied, with a compacted fruit structure, firm tannins and a long finish. As outstanding as it should be. (JS)
(8/2000)
92 points
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Deep healthy color. Lively, subtle black cherry and cassis aromas, with a floral topnote. Impeccably balanced and very rich, this wine already displays lovely intensity of flavor and loads of personality. Fresh acids give it a juicy quality. Delicious, ripe finish, with discreet tannins. Excellent value. (ST)
(11/1993)
Jancis Robinson
Crimson with a ruby rim and a classic cigar-box and tobacco-leaf nose. An interesting battle going on in the glass between the generally austere, straight-backed style of Barton and the lusciousness of the vintage. Aromatic sweet start and then a dry, even slightly tannic finish. Light hint of dead leaves (those famous dead tulips of Anthony Barton's?), almost of decay. Great balance. Bravo! (JR) 18/20
(8/2018)
K&L Notes
3-4 stars Michael Broadbent: "...Deep but mature looking; sweet, classic nose evolving richly; equally sweet on the palate, complete, its richness masking the tannins." (10/2001)
92 points Neal Martin's Wine Journal: "This is a glorious Leoville-Barton, even if I have experienced some bottle variation in the past. This one has a deep garnet core with russet rim. The bouquet is firmly entrenched within its secondary aromas, evolving a Pomerol-like personality with black truffle, scorched earth, damson and roasted chestnuts. The palate is medium-bodied, as if it has lost a little weight over the last couple of years, but very well balanced with good delineation. Wild mushrooms, a touch of cracked black pepper, sous-bois, hints of Provencal herbs and cedar towards the finish. Just a lovely Leoville-Barton to cherish. Tasted May 2009."
