The Saint-Julien appellation in the Bordeaux region is home to several prestigious châteaux, each with its own unique character and style. Among them, Château Léoville Barton is a prime example of the area's winemaking excellence. Renowned critics like Lisa Perrotti-Brown have highlighted the property’s recent “qualitative roll” while Robert Parker underscored Anthony Barton's “Midas touch over the last 15 or so years.” What truly distinguishes this estate is its unwavering commitment to producing exceptional wines that remain sensibly priced, making it a cherished choice among Bordeaux aficionados.

Storied Heritage

Leoville Barton's roots trace back to 1725 when Thomas Barton, hailing from Ireland, ventured to Bordeaux in pursuit of greener pastures. Thomas quickly gained a passion for wine and established his wine merchant company. By 1737, he had amassed considerable success which garnered an illustrious reputation accompanied by a small fortune. Thomas acquired Chateau Le Boscq and formed a partnership with the prestigious Guestier family, giving rise to Barton and Guestier, which still operates in Bordeaux today.

Following Thomas Barton's passing in 1780, his son William briefly managed the family business. With limited interest in wine, William eventually handed over the estate to his 20-year-old son, Hugh Barton, just six years later. The business flourished under Hugh until the turbulent times of the French Revolution. After a brief imprisonment during the revolution, Hugh and his wife relocated to Ireland to avoid further turmoil. Nevertheless, Hugh maintained ties in Bordeaux. In 1821, he purchased the Pontet-Langlois estate, later renamed Langoa Barton. In 1826, a parcel from the original Leoville estate (Las Cases, Barton, and Poyferre) joined the family holdings, becoming the source of Leoville Barton's exceptional wines.

Notably, the newly acquired estate lacked a production facility or chateau, which required all winemaking to take place at the nearby sister estate, Langoa Barton, a tradition still observed today. Remarkably, the chateau remained in the Barton family's hands, making it one of only two estates from the original 1855 classification still under the same family ownership.

Anthony Barton's Wine Renaissance

The estate's quality resurgence began in 1983 when Anthony Barton assumed full control. He undertook extensive renovations and spent over a decade enhancing the vineyards. By 1994, this dedication paid off, earning Leoville Barton the 23rd highest rank among Bordeaux estates by Wine Spectator. In 2010, Lilian Barton, Anthony's daughter, took the reins after more than 30 years of collaboration with her father. Today, the estate remains firmly within the Barton family's devoted hands.

From Vine to Bottle

Leoville Barton's vineyards, spanning 126 acres, lie sandwiched between Chateau Leoville Las Cases to the north and Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou to the south. It's predominantly planted to 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc, boasting vines averaging 38 years in age, with select Merlot vines reaching up to 60 years. The clay and gravel soils, adjacent to the Gironde River, benefit from ample sunlight and natural frost protection.

The winemaking at Leoville Barton unfolds at Langoa Barton, where 200 wooden vats, some dating back to 1963, hold sway. Uniquely, alcoholic and malolactic fermentations occur simultaneously, harking back to Bordeaux's age-old practices. On average, the wines are aged in 50% new French oak for approximately 20 months before bottling.

A Commitment to Tradition at Leoville Barton

Château Léoville Barton brings a unique perspective to the world of Bordeaux wines, adhering to tradition, offering wines that reflect the timeless elegance of the region, and upholding a legacy that dates back to the revered 1855 classification. Their commitment to offering exceptional wines at accessible prices has earned them a devoted following among Bordeaux enthusiasts. Exploring the wines from this renowned estate is an enchanting journey through the exceptional terroir of Saint-Julien and the enduring passion of their respective winemaking families.