Silky tannins, quiet classicism, juicy black fruits, crushed rocks, liqourice and mint, beautiful definition. What an example of how good St Julien can be in this vintage, with rose peal and tomato leaf aromatics also. Brilliant. Right up alongside their excellent 2019. Good old Leoville Barton, a reliable old friend that never lets you down. 60% new oak. 95 points

In some ways, the 2020 Leoville Barton has become more serious than when I encountered it from barrel. It`s lost its puppy fat and delivers quite intense blackberry, blueberry and incense aromas, a little oak to be assimilated yet still very focused. The palate is medium-bodied with a `coolness` on the entry, taut yet deep with a core of black fruit that lacquers that mouth. It`s like a Bentley purring on the finish that is very persistent - an outstanding Leoville Barton. 95 points

The 2020 Leoville Barton is compelling. It offers up a gorgeous mix of vintage 2020 intensity married to the classicism Leoville-Barton have come to expect. Blackberry, graphite, dried herbs, menthol and dark spice abound. Whereas so many Saint-Juliens are exuberant in 2020, Leoville-Barton is very much buttoned up, showing just a twinkle of mischief that lets you know the best is yet to come. 96 points