Château Langoa-Barton 2018, 75cl

Chateau Langoa Barton has a unique distinction. Out of all the 1855 Classified Growths, it is the only chateau that is still in the hands of the same family that was an owner at the time of the classification. Today, Chateau Langoa Barton is managed by Anthony Barton and Lilian Barton. The current owners of Chateau Langoa Barton are able to trace their Bordeaux roots all the way back to 1722. That was the year that Thomas Barton left Ireland and made his way over to Bordeaux. Like many successful owners, Thomas Barton started out as a Bordeaux negociant , or wine merchant.

The style of Chateau Langoa Barton is quite different than that of their other estate, Chateau Leoville Barton. A large part of that of course has to do with their vineyards and their location in the St. Julien appellation. The vines for Langoa Barton are due south of Leoville Barton, with a north by north west exposure. The majority of their vines are close to the center of the Saint Julien appellation. Because of that geographic different, the Langoa Barton vineyard gets less sun. Langoa Barton is in a cooler terroir as it is closer to the center of Saint Julien.

The wines of Chateau Langoa Barton are traditional in style and as such, the vinification is traditional as well. The wines are traditionally made in large, 200 hectoliter wooden vats. Malolactic fermentation takes place in vat. To be more precise, at Langoa Barton, they try to induce co-innoculation, which is what takes place when the alcoholic and malolactic fermentation occur at the same time.

"The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Langoa Barton is slightly shy at this nascent stage, revealing wonderfully pure, warm red and black currant scents with nuances of blueberry preserves, chocolate mint, smoked meat and a waft of bouquet garni. Full-bodied, rich and sporting a lot of vibrant, juicy fruit in the mouth, it has firm, rounded tannins and a lively backbone lifting the fruit to a good, long finish."
92 - 94 points."
(Lisa Perrotti-Brown, 23rd Apr 2019, The Wine Advocate)

"63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc.
Deep ruby colour. Powerful and dominated by black fruit on the nose – there are flecks of oak but they are subtle and well integrated. Superb intensity on the palate, just enough sweetness of fruit to coat the plentiful, ripe tannins. The oak builds complexity rather than masking the fruit in a complete mouthfeel. The chalky intensity of tannin means that this will age very well, but the succulence in the mid-palate will make for some superb drinking over a long period."
17.5 points.
(Tom Parker MW, jancisrobinson.com, 27 Oct 2020)