This behemoth possesses massive extraction, an opaque purple color, huge density, extreme tannins, and a nearly endless finish. Everything is there, but the highly extracted style and off the chart tannins ensures that no one over the age of forty will ever see this wine hit full maturity. Nevertheless, there is a lot to admire, and it-s good to taste a wine that will not be ready to drink for 30+ years. No compromise! (Tasted two times.)
93-95+ points Robert Parkers Wine Advocate # 188 (Apr 2010).
This is powerful Cabernet, with gutsy weight, but polished feel to the fresh plum, warm blackberry sauce, bittersweet ganache and roasted apple wood notes. Long and tarry through the finish, but still invigorating despite its heft. Will need some time to round fully into form. Best from 2017 through 2035.
95 points, Wine Spectator (2012)
(a blend of 77% cabernet sauvignon, 22.5% merlot and 0.5% cabernet franc; 13% alcohol) Deep ruby. Sexy, exotic aromas of spicy blackcurrant, cedar, sweet tobacco and coconut hint at great depth and complexity. Then floral on the palate, with chewy, dense, rich flavors of black fruits, tobacco and chocolate nicely lifted by a distinct flintiness. Initially sweet and voluptuous, this turns slightly dry and chalky on the long, pure, sassafras-and spice-accented finish. A delicious if very young Leoville-Barton-and at a rare-for-the-vintage 13% alcohol.
91-94 Points, Ian D'Agata for Stephen Tanzer's Int'l Cellar (May 2010) | 
