The 2004 Léoville Barton is less opulent on the nose than the Langoa but offers a little more refinement and terroir expression. A touch of seaweed develops with time. The palate is fresh on the entry. It is one of the most saline Léoville Barton that gets the saliva flowing. It is classic old-school Anthony Barton with a judicious dab of black pepper and menthol furnishing the finish. Excellent. (Neal Martin, Vinous, June 2024)
— 4 days ago
Excellent Bordeaux probably one of the most approachable examples despite its young age. Bright red and dark fruit with good crescendo balanced by velvety tannins and soft notes of vanilla, nutmeg and wet dirt. Medium bodied and medium alcohol with balanced acidity. Cheers. — 19 days ago
Medium deep garnet , quite thin ruby , garnet rim . Quite spicy and dark fruited nose , blackcurrant , cassis , coffee , grafite . On the palate quite juicy with those dark cassis fruits , blackberry , and coffee touches . This has a roundness and fleshiness that is really appealing . Slightly saline with grafite , coffee and cacao touches . The tannins are round and integrated , good refreshing acidity . Decent length , this is drinking well now . Drink now and over the next 5-10 years, I don’t see this being particularly long lived but it is very enjoyable . — 6 days ago
The 2004 Ausone has a mature bouquet with brambly red fruit, marmalade, leather and touches of cooked meat. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, a little dry and more savory than expected. I feel there is something a little passé about this Ausone, indicative of the time when wines were being pushed a little hard and frankly, I much prefer more recent vintages (including the 2023 tasted alongside). (Neal Martin, Vinous, June 2024)
— 4 days ago
Just entering its drinking window. It has 40 years ahead of it. Excellent with Ribcap from Costco.
Interesting that there are some vegetable notes on the nose.
Very good evolution. Medium plus tannins. Juicy, ripe blackberries, black raspberries, darkest cherries, black plum/ with skin, ripe strawberries, some blue fruit hues, cedar, black licorice/cola, dark rich earth w/ leaves, sandstone, steeped sun tea, light limestone powder, ripe, light, dark spice, clove, light cinnamon, hints of nutmeg, vanillin, moist volcanic clay, fresh red, dark flowers, framed in violets, round acidity with polish/balance, softly tensioned, elegant that falls on mineral & clay that lasts two-minutes. — 15 days ago
Brian Hearty
2010. It seems my two bottles (first drank Dec 2022) were on the good side of the like it or hate it split with this one being even better integrated than my last. Pairing with some Memorial Day BBQ. — 14 days ago