Another fantastic bottle of Bordeaux, the 1996 Leoville Barton was very impressive.  I don’t have any tasting notes as we drank it several years ago and I stumbled upon it in Moxie’s shop the other day (being used as a prop!).  I will tell you, from recollection, typical St. Julien in style, very smooth, classic, balanced and delicious.  I would have remembered any major flaws, but non come to mind.  The tannins were ripe and ready, the fruit all-encompassing and the finish- strong.  1996 was a very good year for the estate, the wine has potential to last for many, many years (making me wonder if I drank it too early!).  The pro’s averaged 90 points on it, I would probably have given it 5 stars because I love all the LB’s I’ve ever had.  Priced at about $120 per bottle right now, splurge for a big date and you won’t go wrong.  This one happened to be in MAGNUM, ’cause that’s how I roll ladies.