When Thomas Barton left Ireland for Bordeaux in 1722, there was no indication that his family were to become owners of the largest estate in St. Julien.
Chateau Leoville Barton today may be considerably smaller than the original Barton dynasty, but its quality has stayed firm- and the family's legacy remains the longest-standing of all the 1855 Grands Crus Classés. Thomas Barton - known affectionately as 'French Tom' - died in 1780, leaving a considerable fortune which, six years later, his grandson Hugh used to purchasedthe Chateau Langoa and Leoville plots in the Medoc, adding his family's name to the historic estates.
Leoville Barton's terroir is composed of one of the most beautiful outcrops of Garonne gravel, in the heart of the St. Julien appellation. This terroir is what has made these red wines amongst the most famous in the world, as well as gaining them a 2nd Grand Cru Classé classification in 1855. Unlike most Bordeaux estates, Chateau Leoville Barton has not chateau of its own - the building pictured on the wines' labels is that of Chateau Langoa Barton, its sister estate. The vineyards are planted with 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc.
