THE BARTON DYNASTY
The Barton Dynasty:
What makes the history of the Barton family so fascinating is how each generation has left its mark and added its stone to this exceptional heritage.
In 1722, Thomas Barton left his native Ireland to settle in Bordeaux. He founded a wine trading company and, above all, a family, or rather a dynasty, which to this day remains the longest family continuity among the classified growths.
In 1821 Hugh Barton bought Château Langoa Barton, then in 1826, Château Léoville Barton. His work was rewarded in 1855 when the two Saint-Julien estates were respectively classified 3rd and 2nd Grand Cru Classé. In 1983, Anthony Barton, the gentleman of the Medoc, took over the management of the estates and raised Château Léoville-Barton to the international level it is known for today.
Lilian Barton-Sartorius, the 9th generation, now manages the properties. In 2011, she brought Château Mauvesin into the family fold, which was later renamed Château Mauvesin Barton. Today, Lilian lives at Mauvesin and her children Mélanie and Damien, 10th generation, are involved in the development of these family wineries, thus perpetuating the legacy of Thomas Barton.
Château Mauvesin Barton- Moulis-en-Médoc – Bordeaux 2019. $48.95 per bottle – six packs.
91 Points Vinous Media
“The 2019 Mauvesin Barton is gorgeous. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, tobacco, mint and spice lend nuance to this gracious, beautifully lifted Moulis. The 2019 is understated yet wonderfully expressive and very tasty.”
93 Points Wine Enthusiast.
“This estate has been fully renovated and is now producing attractive wines. This vintage is rich in black fruits, full-bodied and luscious. The tannins are present in the structured background. It has a fine medium-term future.”
93 points Decanter
“Delicate florality to this, smells wonderful, bursting with flowers and black fruits – incredibly welcoming. Lovely acidity on the palate, you can feel this is lively with great energy and drive pushing the red fruit flavours across the palate. The tannins are soft but they are mouth coating and really do mask a lot of what is going on right now. A big mouthful but with brightness and verve underneath. Lovely long length and good persistency and freshness. One to seek out and hold on to.”
Picture above: The late Anthony Barton and Daughter Lillian.