Chateau Léoville Barton, Saint-Julien

[2eme Cru Classé 1855] The history of Leoville Barton is the history of a family who have managed to preserve their inheritance for more than 2 centuries.

Château Leoville Barton lies between the towns of Beychevelle and Saint Julien, the estate's few buildings sit directly on the vineyard road, and the vineyards lie just to its west.

From one generation to another the wines produced have maintained the quality of its classification, offering wines at the very top of their appellation.

The soil of St Julien is ideal for vines, due to its geographic situation and its climate; every element is present to produce wines of exceptional quality and elegance. Château Léoville Barton has the great privilege of being in the very heart of this appellation.

The meaning of the word “Terroir” includes several elements such as soil, climate, topology and geology. In this respect the " terroir" of Saint-Julien is acknowledged as one of the best in the world for wine production.

This property was an average performing second growth until the 1980s when Anthony Barton took control of the property management. Since then the property has steadily improved in quality and is now a definite 'Super Second' and one of the top châteaux in Bordeaux.

History
Château Leoville Barton is the third (and smallest) piece of the famous trio of Saint Julien properties that 200 years ago formed one estate (Château Leoville) belonging to Alexandre de Gasq. It has been the property of the illustrious Barton family since 1836. Leoville Barton has no actual house or winery, so the wine is made and bottled at the Barton's neighbouring property, Château Langoa Barton. That comes as something of a surprise to many people, but the term 'Château' actually refers to the vineyard property and does not require the buildngs that are often associated with the term.

The Barton Family has been involved in the Bordeaux wine trade since 1723 when the Irishman, Hugh Barton began a trade in the region and joined with Daniel Guestier in 1725 to found the negociant firm of Barton & Guestier. Château Langoa Barton was purchased a few years earlier than Leoville Barton by Thomas Barton. Both chateaux are still owned by the Barton family today.

Anthony Barton took over ownership and management of the properties from his uncle Ronald Barton in 1983. Under Anthony's oversight, both properties dramatically improved in quality from the position of average performers for their classification to being consistently, very highly rated. Anthony has recently passed ownership to the next generation (his daughter, Liliane) but he remains involved in both properties.

Facts & Figures

Area under vine
48 hectares

Production
180,000 - 240,000 bottles (pending on vintage)

Soil
The gravel soil is found on top of a clay sub-soil. The depth at which this clay is found and the presence of other elements in the soil is variable from one part of the vineyard to another.

Grape varieties
72% Cabernet Sauvignon
20% Merlot
 8% Cabernet Franc

Aging
20 months in 50% new French oak

Wines available