Anthony Barton, together with daughter Lilian Barton-Sartorius, has just bought the Medoc estate Chateau Mauvesin.
Chateau Mauvesin (image: Medocgironde)
This is the first purchase family has made since the 1820s, when their ancestor Hugh Barton bought both Langoa and Léoville Barton.
The 48-hectare Moulis cru bourgeois – there is a small part in AOC Haut-Médoc – has been owned by the Baritault du Carpia family since the 15th century, with the current chateau building constructed in 1853.
The vineyards are in a single block around the chateau, made up of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Carmenere.
Lilian Barton told Decanter.com, ‘I have been looking for the right property for some time, as I have two adult children who are both interested in wine.’
The purchase was completed in early August, and the Bartons have since installed new stainless steel tanks – ranging in size from 200hl to 120hl, brought in the latest-generation harvesting machines that perform the first grape sorting in the vines, and added an optical sorter in the chai.
They purchased no back vintages, so the 2011 will be the first to benefit from their oenologist Eric Boissenot, and the Leoville-Barton winemaking director François Bréhant.
‘We have discarded a fair amount of grapes this year, not only because the season has been challenging, but because the vineyard needed work. But we are pleased with the quality that remains, and will be building an entirely new cellar in time for the next vintage. We are looking forward to making an impact on the wine,’ added Barton.
The chateau will be renamed Château Mauvesin-Barton as of the 2011 vintage.
Written by Jane Anson in Bordeaux
