Two vintages of Ch. Leoville-Barton

[Comte Flaneur]

Last night we did Leoville-Barton 1988 and 1994 side by side.

They were more similar than I expected, but the 1988 has a richer and slightly denser mid-palate, while the 1994 has a slightly more expressive and delightful nose but was more angular on the palate.

These wines are reassuringly old school clarets with no concession to modernity. I liked them very much. The 1994 is probably in the early part of its drinking window, but I doubt it will improve much, while the 1988 I suspect is coming to the end of its window.

In the pecking order of Leoville-Barton vintages the 1988 would be towards the upper end of the third quartile, while the 1994 would be towards the bottom of the third quartile.

The 2001 and 2002 for example are significantly better wines. So are the 1985 and 1989 for that matter.

[AlexR]

Glad you enjoyed.
LB rarely disappoints.
Not the most glamorous of estates (one wonders why?), but very dependable.

AR