Léoville Barton St-Julien 2004

95 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): "This has a good depth of colour despite its fifteen years, and it is truly classic in style, with swirling aromas of juniper berry, currant, blackcurrant skin, green peppercorn and bay leaf on the nose. It kicks off on the palate with a deliciously dry and savoury style, before unfolding to reveal a midpalate which is quite beautiful for the vintage, showing a lightly polished and sinewy confidence, with a surprisingly textural and even lightly creamed presence, this substance carrying some very dark flavours, including notes of smoke, black truffle and toast. A very harmonious and complete wine, with a peppery energy and a warm finish, but with real tension to it. Undeniably a great success for the vintage. (Nov 2019)"

94 points Wine Enthusiast: "As so often, Léoville-Barton stands out for its style and elegance. With fresh fruit and acidity allied to generous tannins, it sums up the character of the 2004 vintage. Very classic in Bordeaux terms: not hugely powerful, but delicious. (Jan 2007)"

94 points (17/20) La Revue du Vin de France (Jan 2007).

93 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guide to the Wines of France: "Ultraripe, silky, long, and more full in body than Gruaud-Larose, this has impressive length and profoundly deep character. 2011 up to 2024. (2011)"

92+ points Robert Parker: "This is an impressively endowed vin de garde that should age effortlessly for 20-30 years. How Anthony Barton continues to fashion uncompromisingly primordial Bordeaux that are always among the biggest and densest of all the St.-Juliens is beyond me, but he does it year in and year out. Moreover, when it’s time to set the price, he appears to have the consumer foremost in his mind. The 2004 is a classic Leoville-Barton meant for long aging. Concentrated, with loads of smoke, creme de cassis, forest floor, and earthy notes emerge from this impressive, but oh, so backward wine. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030+. (6/28/07)"

92 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "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. Drink: 2024-2038. (Jun 2024)"

92 points Charles Curtis, MW (Decanter): "Picking began on 30 September for the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blend from Léoville-Barton; after fermentation, the ageing was done in 60% new casks. The wine is now showing some development, with slightly fading colour and the beginning of cedar, smoke, and earth notes to the blackberry fruit. Although everything was balanced and reasonably elegant, it lacked the depth and concentration to carry it to the next level for many tasters at our horizontal tasting, but I had it third from the top in its flight. Drinking Window: 2024-2045. (3/22/24)"