1997 Léoville-Barton, St-Julien

Medium rubied with a tight garnet rim. A fine and elegant wine with a juicy finish(curranty). Good refinement with delicate secondary(skip milk)and tertiary tones(chocolates). Lovely for some- silky tannins, low acidity, ripe tannins with fresh and clean cassis flavours. Medium finish; lift acidities. It is going well enough for the age.

Comments are consistent, though scores are not high, like less than 87.

Parker's Wine Advocate

The elegant, spice box, cedary, oaky, red and black currant-scented and flavored 1997 Leoville Barton reveals surprising softness, medium body, low acidity, and ripe tannin. I would not be surprised to see it improve in the bottle, and possibly merit a higher score. (RP) (4/2000)

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Good red-ruby. Currant, plum and smoky oak on the nose. Fat, suave and smooth; not a powerful style but offers lovely depth of flavor. Finishes with rather smooth tannins and good length. (ST) (6/2000)

Wine Spectator

Good berry, mineral character, with a hint of chocolate. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a fresh finish. (JS) (1/2000)