In this sun-gorged vintage the luminous purpurin robe reflects the qualities of the gravelly soil so favourable to Cabernet Sauvignon. The nose offers characteristic aromas of spices, plum and crystallized fruits. This powerful and harmonious wine joins the ranks of those great still-waters-run deep vintages we have known when the flavours are offered gradually, in a crescendo, to finally give a lovely plump, dense palate with tannins that roll smoothly and gently over the tongue.

The vineyard nestles in the heart of the St Julien terroir among the most beautiful slopes of Garonne gravel, facing the Gironde river. The clayey gravel subsoil allows excellent growing conditions whatever weather the vintage brings. The plowing is traditional, without weeding or herbicide. The grape varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon (74%), Merlot (23%) and Cabernet Franc (3%).

The Barton family's passion for wine is reflected in the elegance and consistency of Château Léoville Barton. This estate was classified as a 2nd Grand Cru Classé in 1855 and lies within the iconic terroir of Saint Julien in the Médoc.

"A spectacular success, the opaque plum-coloured 2003 Leoville Barton is still on the young side of its plateau of maturity. It exhibits a striking bouquet of forest floor and black currants as well as a full-bodied, exuberant, youthful style, an opaque plum/ruby colour, a lot of complexity, and striking depth and richness. This is a profound, stunning effort from Anthony Barton and his team. Bravo! It should continue to provide immense pleasure for 20-30 years. Drink 2014-2044" - 96/100 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (214), August 2014

"What a fabulous Léoville Barton this is turning into! The nose takes a while to get going but reluctantly reveals some complex black fruits, minerals, a touch of cooked meats all with breath-taking definition. The palate has a lovely satin texture and is so harmonious and natural. Blackberry, cedar, tobacco vie for attention, perhaps you could argue lacking a little structure, but ultimately beguilingly elegant and wonderful poised on the finish. Completely seductive. Drink 2012-2025. Tasted April 2008." - 95/100 Neal Martin, RobertParker.com, April 2008

"The 2003 Léoville Barton was sensational on release, closed down slightly for 4-5 yeas, and is just now starting to emerge from its adolescence and is on the early side of its drink window. Possessing a saturated purple/ruby colour as well as a sensational bouquet of crème de cassis, charcoal, lead pencil shavings and damp earth, it’s full-bodied, gorgeously concentrated, balanced and long. While from a freakishly hot vintage, it has terrific purity, as well as complexity. It’s a blockbuster, yet classic wine from Anthony Barton that’s going to provide incredible amounts of pleasure over the coming 2-3 decades." - 96/100 Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com, August 2017