In the glass
Aroma: blackberry, ripe plum, vanilla oak, cassis, light spice
Palate: red berry fruit, gentle tannins, fresh acidity, supple mid-palate
An elegant and approachable expression of Saint-Julien from younger vines, with a higher Merlot proportion giving early accessibility and soft ripe fruit.
What it pairs with
-
Roast chicken with jus
The wine's supple tannins and ripe fruit complement the mild richness of roasted poultry. -
Beef burger with aged cheddar
Fruit-forward approachability and gentle grip make this a natural match for a well-made burger. -
Grilled pork tenderloin with cherry sauce
Sweet cherry echoes the wine's red-fruit profile; pork fat is balanced by fresh acidity.
How to serve La Réserve de Léoville Barton
Allow 65 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 60 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 14-16°C. Cellar temperature (14-16°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a Burgundy bowl with a wide opening. The bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Roast chicken with jus, Beef burger with aged cheddar, Grilled pork tenderloin with cherry sauce. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
The second wine of Château Léoville Barton, sourced from younger vines and plots not selected for the grand vin. A higher proportion of Merlot than the grand vin ensures more immediate drinkability while retaining the hallmark Barton elegance.
- 1990 — La Réserve de Léoville Barton introduced as the estate's second wine
Facts
- Producer
- Château Léoville Barton
- Grapes
- Cabernet Sauvignon (58%), Merlot (39%), Cabernet Franc (3%)
- Classification
- Saint-Julien AOC
- Oak
- 16-18 months in French oak barrels, 60% new
- ABV
- 13.0%
- Price
- €30-55 at retail
- Drinking window
- 5-15 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1990
Scores
- Vinous 90 (2023 vintage, reviewed 2024)
Frequently asked about La Réserve de Léoville Barton
What does La Réserve de Léoville Barton taste like?
On the nose, blackberry, ripe plum, vanilla oak, cassis, light spice. On the palate, red berry fruit, gentle tannins, fresh acidity, supple mid-palate. Structurally medium-bodied, medium tannins, medium acidity with a medium finish. An elegant and approachable expression of Saint-Julien from younger vines, with a higher Merlot proportion giving early accessibility and soft ripe fruit.
When should I drink La Réserve de Léoville Barton?
Drink 5-15 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with La Réserve de Léoville Barton?
Roast chicken with jus is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Beef burger with aged cheddar and Grilled pork tenderloin with cherry sauce. The wine's supple tannins and ripe fruit complement the mild richness of roasted poultry.
What grapes are in La Réserve de Léoville Barton?
The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon (58%), Merlot (39%), Cabernet Franc (3%). The wine is classified as Saint-Julien AOC.