2000 Château Léoville Barton - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien (3/13/2023)
Working on a “drink the good stuff” philosophy, I opened this for a Monday dinner with leftovers. Why not! Initially as stern as an angry nun teaching 8th graders, it mellowed out over two hours, though never became soft or cuddly. Instead it maintained a perfectly starched collar, dark tie, and well tailored suit level of elegance, with a warm smile and engaging banter. Honestly it carried the image of the late Anthony Barton. Classic Bordeaux, it showed all the aged tobacco, understated cassis fruit and firm tannins, even more than twenty years after what was at one time considered a “modern” vintage. It demanded a rare ribeye, but alas it was not to be. Still, this feels like a wine that is emerging into a mid-life stage, with ample substance to carry on for as long as necessary. Just be sure to dress for dinner.