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Wine Description
The Story
The 50 hectares of Léoville and 17 hectares of Langoa, planted in gravelly soil with a clay sub-soil, include large proportions of old vines in order to obtain the best possible quality. The grape varieties is 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc for Léoville Barton, while Langoa Barton’s terroir is shared as follows 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc. Both properties have the same vinification methods.
The wines are typical of the Saint-Julien area, well balanced wines with subtle bouquets and flavours; the emphasis being on elegance and finesse rather than on power and extraction. This is achieved by picking the grapes at their maximum ripeness and allowing the fermentation to take place at a controlled temperature of 30/32°C. Although excessive extraction is avoided by removing the juice from the skins at the appropriate time, the wines have a lovely deep colour, excellent structure and sufficient tannins to ensure good ageing potential.
Vintage 1957
Bordeaux: The weather conditions in Bordeaux during the 1957 growing season were mixed. The year began with a cold winter and a late spring, which delayed budbreak and flowering. While the summer months were relatively warm and dry, they were also marked by periods of rainfall. This inconsistent weather had a significant impact on grape ripening and overall quality.
Bordeaux 1957 Reds: The red wines of Bordeaux from the 1957 vintage are often considered to be of moderate quality. The wines typically display a ruby-red color with some showing signs of aging, such as a slight brick or garnet rim. On the nose, they offer aromas of red berries, dried herbs, and hints of tobacco and cedar.
In the mouth, the 1957 Bordeaux reds are characterized by their medium body and relatively mild tannins. The acidity is generally balanced, but the wines lack the depth and concentration that are found in exceptional Bordeaux vintages. While some wines from this vintage have aged gracefully, others may have reached or passed their peak, making it important to choose bottles carefully.
Bordeaux 1957 Whites: The white wines of Bordeaux from the 1957 vintage also produced mixed results. The wines typically have a pale to medium gold color with aromas of citrus, green apple, and a touch of honey. While they may lack the complexity and depth of some other vintages, the best examples have retained their freshness and vibrancy over the years.
Overall Impressions: The Bordeaux 1957 vintage is generally regarded as a moderate vintage in terms of quality. While it may not have reached the heights of some of the region's legendary years, it still produced wines that can offer enjoyable drinking experiences, especially when carefully selected bottles from reputable producers are chosen.