1989 Chateau Leoville Barton

We just finished a tremendous project at work so I wanted to open up something unique this weekend. I opted for a 1989 Chateau Leoville Barton.

Fill looked great, really nothing “wrong” with the condition of the bottle. Cork came out very easily with the Durand.

Upon pouring color sample – beautiful ruby. Really looked just fantastic in the glass. Initial nose was insanely floral, and the initial taste was dried red fruit with decent acidity. Medium body with tannin on the finish (in a good way).

I let this sit in the opened bottle for about 45 minutes. At that point I poured my first glass. The aroma was screaming out of the glass. More cedar, leather, and tobacco. Tertiary on the palate, still decent acidity and balanced tannin.

90 minutes in – the graphite is kicking in. Opening up beautifully.

2 hours in – nose more dark fruit – plum. Tannins more pronounced in a good way. Graphite dominating with some dark fruit mixed in

3 hours – the graphite is back with a vengeance in such a good way.

This was actually an incredible wine. My goodness. It transformed beautifully over 3 hours, and this totally took me by surprise. Probably one of the better Bordeaux’s I’ve had lately!

Paired with some broiled lobster tail and Wagyu filet mignon.