Characterised by a late harvest (September 24th–October 5th) following a dry, sunny September, the 1996 vintage favoured late-ripening Cabernet Sauvignon. The blend—approximately 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 8% Cabernet Franc—reflects this, harvested at a low yield of 30 hl/ha. Fermented in temperature-controlled wooden vats and aged in 50% new oak for 18 months, the wine is defined by high acidity and a potent tannic structure, ensuring longevity.
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Very good vintage in Bordeaux, especially in the Médoc, with a good mix of warm temperatures and occassional rainfall when it was needed. For Pomerol and St. Émilion on the right bank, however, prolonged droughts throughout the summer and heavy concentrated rainstorms in August meant conditions were not as perfect for the Merlot grapes there, although eventually healthy grapes were picked there, too. Some excellent dry whites in Graves and sweet whites in Sauternes (perhaps the best vintage after the excellent 1990).
| Vintage: |
1996 Very good vintage in Bordeaux, especially in the Médoc, with a good mix of warm temperatures and occassional rainfall when it was needed. For Pomerol and St. Émilion on the right bank, however, prolonged droughts throughout the summer and heavy concentrated rainstorms in August meant conditions were not as perfect for the Merlot grapes there, although eventually healthy grapes were picked there, too. Some excellent dry whites in Graves and sweet whites in Sauternes (perhaps the best vintage after the excellent 1990). |
| Colour: | red |
| Style: | still (dry) |
| Assemblage: | yes |
| Grape variety: | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| For assemblages, the main grape variety is shown. | |
| Producer: | Château Léoville Barton |
| Country: | France |
| Region: | Bordeaux |
| Subregion: | Médoc |
| Appellation: | Saint-Julien AOC |
| Vineyard: | n/a |
| View this wine on CellarTracker. | |