2021 Langoa Barton
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Tasting notes
Ch. Langoa Barton is always the later ripening of the two Léovilles under the Barton family’s ownership and while there is a hint of greenness on the nose, the wine is neither lean nor austere. It is very well balanced with even-set tannins and great vibrancy to the palate. The tannic flex brings good levels of bold intensity for the vintage, while remaining supple and layered. A floral, scented lift adds further complexity. 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc
Critic scores
Average Score
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Glowing crimson. Light-to-medium-bodied sort of nose. Very worked tannins so that they are virtually imperceptible. Then a bit inky on the end. Just a bit hollow. But with food you could manage to drink this! Not long. (JR)
Released in a special bottle celebrating the château's 200-year anniversary, the 2021 Château Langoa Barton checks in as 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, with the élevage spanning 18 months in 60% new barrels. It offers a healthy purple/plum hue to go with impressive depth and richness in its darker currants, spicy oak, and cedar pencil/graphite-like aromatics. With medium-bodied richness, terrific mid-palate depth, and a broad, layered, mouth-filling texture, it deserves 4-6 years of bottle age and will cruise over the following two decades in cold cellars. It's another terrific wine from this château. Tasted twice with consistent notes.
The 2021 Langoa Barton comes in a specially designed, one-off, hand-drawn label and a sustainable cardboard box instead of wood, to celebrate the bicentenary of family ownership. The aromatics have actually moved up a step since I tasted it from barrel: intense blackberry and wild strawberry fruit, crushed violet and just a hint of eucalyptus. The oak is neatly integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with surprisingly plush black fruit, a suave and harmonious Langoa with a dash of spice toward the finish. This is packed full of flavor and will be difficult to resist in its youth.
About the producer
Hugh Barton purchased this estate, alongside Second Growth Ch. Léoville Barton, in the 1820s. Classified as a Third Growth and run by Lilian Barton with her children Damien and Mélanie today, the 20 hectares of vines produce some of the appellation’s most elegant wines – and at reasonable prices.