2019, Château Langoa Barton, SAINT-JULIEN, 3rd Growth Grand Cru Classé

The 2019 Langoa-Barton has a much more classically-hewn bouquet with blackberry, gravel, freshly rolled tobacco and smoke billowing from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with sweet ripe tannins. It doesn't quite have the depth of its peers, though it is very well balanced, but it closes up shop on the finish. Cellar this for another 8-10 years. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. 94 Neal Martin, Vinous (2023).

The 2019 Langoa-Barton is every bit as delicious as it was from barrel. The purity of the flavours is just striking. Inky red fruit, blood orange, spice, mint and pomegranate are pushed forward. This is an especially succulent, richly textured Langoa, and that's not a bad thing for a wine that in some vintages is a bit light. 93 Antonio Galloni, Vinous (2022).

A timeless classic for patient readers with cold cellars, the 2019 Langoa Barton is performing beautifully in bottle, unwinding in the glass with a rich bouquet of cassis, plums, cigar wrapper, pencil shavings and loamy soil. Medium to full-bodied, deep and elegantly muscular, its concentrated core of fruit is framed by lively acids and ripe, powdery tannins that assert themselves on the youthfully firm finish. Forget it for a decade and reap the rewards for the following four. 94+ William Kelley, Wine Advocate (2022).

Deep garnet-purple in colour, the 2019 Langoa Barton is a very pleasant surprise, singing of Black Forest cake, raspberry preserves and warm blackcurrants notions with suggestions of chocolate mint, forest floor and pencil shavings plus a hint of cinnamon toast. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has jaw-dropping tension and intensity, featuring ripe, grainy tannins and bags of evocative red and black fruits, finishing with a lively lift. The style of this 2019 is worlds away from the also very impressive 2018, showcasing an even brighter, immediately impactful and downright flamboyant side to the estate. Colour me impressed! 93-95 Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate (2020).

Drinking Window: 2025 - 2048