Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 1996 Leoville Barton appears more youthful than the 1996 Langoa Barton in the glass with a healthy deep garnet core. The aromatics unfurl gracefully in the glass revealing briary, wild hedgerow, black truffle and sandalwood scents -- firmly in secondary aroma stage but with appreciable presence and intensity. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannin that form its firm and classic structure, spice, white pepper and cloves infusing the slightly animally red berry fruit. This is an adorable Léoville Barton that is occupying a very 'happy' place at the moment -- superb precision, old school claret at its best. Decant for an hour no more, then enjoy. (NM)

(10/2016)

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Blueberry, roasted nuts, mint and a hint of game on the nose. Fat, sweet and multilayered; rich, ripe and deep. Offers a generous mouthfeel for a young '96 from the Medoc. Substantial ripe tannins spread out over the palate. Very long, ripe aftertaste. (ST)

(05/1999)

Wine Spectator

Wild berries on the nose, with an exotic flower undertone. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, rich finish. Gorgeous red. Give it time. (JS, Web—2007)