La Reserve De Leoville Barton St Julien 2005 Bordeaux

Here is one of the best second wines of this fabulous vintage. On par with Pagodes and Reserve de Comtesse at a fraction of the price.

This seems to have entered its early drinking stage and is showing remarkable complexity. Although powerful in its own right, this has a lively and fresh nature that perfectly captures the herb, oak, cedar and damp earth aromas. There is a crisp array of dark fruits and an overall sense of balance and harmony that affords great length to the finish of blackberry and mineral. This has classified growth quality at a fraction of the price.

Made from the younger vines of this leading St Julien estate, the 2005 is probably the finest Reserve that Anthony Barton and his team have made. Less dark and intense than the Grand Vin, it offers pure brambly and cherry fruit wrapped in a mantle of fresh, tight tannin. Great length and balance, and already generous on the palate, it will require cellaring until at least late 2008 and will drink well for 5-10 years thereafter.