Château Léoville Barton 1998

Characteristics and Tasting Notes for Château Léoville Barton 1998

Tasting Notes

Appearance
This wine reveals a deep red colour.

Nose
The bouquet is exuberant, exhaling aromas of black fruits such as cherry and blackcurrant, harmoniously blended with notes of spice, cedar and coffee.

Palate
Both concentrated and refined, the palate offers a superb velvety texture. It is built on powerful tannins that nonetheless display great suppleness, reflecting a remarkable balance.

Food and Wine Pairing

This great red wine pairs wonderfully with roasted or grilled red meats such as a rib of beef or a rack of lamb. It also enhances game dishes, preparations with forest mushrooms or truffle, as well as long-matured hard cheeses such as aged Comté or Parmesan.

Serving and Ageing

For an optimal tasting experience, it is recommended to serve the Château Léoville Barton 1998 at around 17 to 18°C, allowing for prior opening or light decanting.

The Rich and Distinguished Expression of a Great Saint-Julien Growth

The Estate

Founded in 1826 following the acquisition of vineyards by Hugh Barton, Château Léoville Barton is an emblematic figure of Bordeaux. Located on the left bank, this Second Growth classified in 1855 stands out for its uninterrupted family continuity, a rarity in the region. Today, Lilian Barton-Sartorius, together with her children Damien and Mélanie, runs the estate with a determination to preserve this historic legacy while committing strongly to sustainable viticulture. Uniquely, the wines are vinified in the cellars of the neighbouring estate, Langoa Barton.

The Vineyard

Located at the heart of the Saint-Julien appellation, the vineyard spans 50 hectares facing the Gironde estuary. The vines, averaging 40 years of age, are planted at high density on one of the finest gravel-based ridges of Garonne origin, resting on a clay subsoil. This exceptional terroir benefits from excellent natural drainage and ideal thermal regulation. The estate practises sustainable farming certified HVE3, incorporating agroforestry, full soil tillage and pheromone-based mating disruption to preserve biodiversity and ecosystem balance.

The Vintage

1998 is recognised as a fine-quality vintage. Climatic conditions allowed the grape varieties planted on well-drained terroirs to reach optimal phenolic ripeness. Rigorous selection during the harvest ensured a healthy crop, yielding perfectly balanced grapes.

Winemaking and Ageing

The grapes destined for the Château Léoville Barton 1998 were harvested exclusively by hand, allowing for meticulous sorting directly in the vineyard. Vinification took place in the historic facilities of the neighbouring château, Langoa Barton. The wine was then carefully aged in barrels, allowing for the harmonious integration of noble oak notes while preserving the purity of the fruit.

Grape Varieties

72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc.