Grand Vin Saint-Julien 2012

95 points, “As with most of these St Juliens, the colour is medium intensity ruby with lovely reflective pools. Sweet notes of smoked caramel, graphite and campfire stealing in along blackberry and cassis fruits. Overall, the fruit register is dark, with tannins that are perfectly integrated but still present, confident and holding the fruit in place.” – Jane Anson

92 points, “Dense black-red, firm, quite spicy Cabernet Sauvignon, both ripeness and firmness is there, elegance over power and a good future.” – Decanter 

This wine “exudes focus and precision,” according to Wine Advocate’s Neal Martin, “and should be one of the finest Saint Julien 2012s”. Wonderfully poised and with faultless balance, this classic claret has now entered its drinking window, so crack on in.

The much-loved Second Growth Saint-Julien Château Léoville Barton shines every year. But 2012 was something special. As ever, this is all about sophistication, it’s a sleek, tall, cravat-wearing gentleman with a monocle, cane and shiny shoes. When Monsieur Barton enters the room, everyone will take note and then gravitate towards him. And later, he’ll enjoy some game, some mature cheese and some fine conversation.

Always popular, if you would like to secure this, be quick as it won’t hang around for long. As respected wine critic Neal Martin notes: “Year-in, year-out [Château Léoville Barton] produces delicious, well-crafted, high-quality Saint Julien that its legions of devoted fans – including myself – finish down to the very last drop.”