1995 Château Langoa-Barton
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Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Unusually blackish crimson. Tasted two bottles and neither seemed quite right. Lots of dried fruit on the nose, then a lack of fruit concentration on the middle and some very drying tannins on the end. (JR)
Lots of alcohol. Sweet and rich and inky. Rather appealing and full. Very full and voluptuous and charming. Very open compared to most. Seductive and – just – manages to be refreshing enough. (JR)
The 1995 Langoa-Barton has been perplexing to evaluate. It is woody, monolithic, and exceptionally tannic without the fruit and flesh necessary to provide equilibrium. There are some positive components - a saturated dark ruby/purple color, hints of ripe fruit, and pure, clean flavors - but the wine's angularity/austerity is troublesome. It will probably be a good, but old style claret that will never resolve all of its tannic bite. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2016.
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.