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)"

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)"