2016, Château Léoville Barton, SAINT-JULIEN, 2ème Grand Cru Classé, Magnum (1500ml)The 2016 Loville Barton has a more savoury bouquet than its peers: again, slightly tertiary in style, though very well delineated and manifesting lovely incense and pressed violet aromas with aeration. The oak is neatly integrated. The palate is medium bodied with supple tannins, fleshy and ripe, and gently grippy, leading to a detailed and quite plush (for the vintage) finish. This is a charming Saint Julien, a bit of a femme fatale. Tasted blind at

then the textured tannins settle surrounded by succulent cherry

nice freshness and good length

there are pronounced aromas of blackberry fruit accented with peony

licorice and leather struggle to emerge

This is a grand cru is every way - so much drive on the palate with plenty of extract

then some darker fruit

A hint of mineral

The palate has ample middle for the vintage

plum preserves and liquorice

The 2023 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru is a beauty

although it is very much closed in on itself

Based primarily on Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot and aged 20 months in 40% new French oak