NV Langoa Barton collection case 09/12/15/16/18/19

2019: (94 points) 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. 2018: (91 points) The 2018 Langoa Barton was picked September 21–24 for the Merlot and September 29–October 6 for the Cabernet, then matured in 60% new oak. It remains opulent and high-toned on the nose, retaining those overt blueberry and cassis scents that I remarked upon in barrel. The palate is sweet and charming, though for me it needs a little more grip and backbone on the finish. This is a Langoa-Barton that might be just a little too willing to please at this early juncture, which leaves me speculating what it has in reserve for long-term cellaring. 2016: (91 points) The 2016 Langoa-Barton has a minty-fresh bouquet with plenty of black fruit; hints of pencil shavings and loamy elements develop with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, fleshy and generous, but I was expecting more detail and terroir expression to show on the chewy, pastille-like finish. Very fine, although I suspect there will be melioration in bottle. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting. 2015: (94 points) The 2015 Langoa Barton has a classy bouquet with cedar- and tobacco-infused black fruit along with a little sous-bois that emerges with time. The palate is medium-bodied, taut and crisp, with pliant tannins and plenty of graphite toward the finish that is endowed with fine density and satisfying length. The 2015 is excellent. Tasted blind at the 2015 Bordeaux Ten-Year-On tasting at Farr Vintners. 2012: (92 points) The 2012 Langoa-Barton has an open-knit bouquet with red fruit and embers, almost ash-like scents, gradually offering a little more cohesion. One of the more opulent Saint-Juliens on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chewy tannins. Fleshy, nicely balanced, approachable with a spicy kick towards quite a substantial finish, this Langoa wears its heart on its sleeve and has wonderful tension throughout. Tasted twice at Bordeaux Index's Ten Year-On tasting and blind at the Southwold Ten-Year On tasting. 2009: (94 points) The 2009 Langoa-Barton has a gorgeous bouquet with blackberry, bilberry, cedar and light tobacco aromas that blossom from the glass. This feels so composed and pure. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, fine-grain tannin, beautifully judged acidity and a svelte, languorous finish that fans out with style. What a gorgeous and utterly seductive Saint-Julien. It turns out to be Langoa Barton, a wine that I have rated very highly in the past. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting.

2019: (96 points) Plenty of blackberry, currant and floral aromas. Some mint as well, following through to a full-bodied palate with layers of ultra-fine tannins and wonderful length. This is sophisticated and beautifully crafted with style and personality, displaying its terroir. Extremely well done. Drink after 2025. 2018: (94 points) Currants, cloves, graphite and cigar box on the nose. Some pine and citrus zest, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, tight-grained tannins. Structured and vivid with plenty of tension. Lovely sweet fruit at the finish. Try from 2025. 2016:(96 points) Beautiful aromas of flowers and berries, intermingled in fresh and brambly mode with a cedary edge. This is very fresh. The tannins carve an exceptionally deep, long line through the dark berries and cassis and deliver a very powerful, unwavering finish. This is in great form. Very powerful and focused. Try from 2024. 2015: (94 points) Layered and juicy 2015 with currants, light chocolate and cedar character. It’s full-bodied, round-textured and very pretty. Extremely long and flavorful. So friendly and bright. Drink or hold. 2009: (93 points) A rich and fleshy wine, yet it remains decisively dry. Attractive blueberry aroma and impressive supple tannins make this very harmonious. If it was slightly brighter in the nose this would rate even higher. Drink now. (Horizontal Tasting, London, 2019)

2019 (93 points) A blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, and 7% Cabernet Franc, the 2019 Langoa Barton is deep garnet-purple in color. It storms out with powerful blackcurrant and baked plums scents, followed by suggestions of cedar, allspice, and fragrant soil. The medium-bodied palate delivers mouth-filling black fruit with soft tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing with a spicy lift. 2018 (93 points) The 2018 Langoa Barton has a deep garnet-purple color. It is a little closed to begin, unfurling to reveal notes of black raspberries, Morello cherries, and cassis, plus hints of violets and dark chocolate. Medium-bodied and refreshing, the palate is elegantly crafted with red and black berry layers, supported by fine-grained tannins, finishing long and perfumed. 2016 (93 points) The Langoa Barton 2016 is deep garnet in color. It bursts with flamboyant notes of warm black cherries, dried mulberries, and crushed blackcurrants, plus hints of fertile loam and wild thyme. Medium-bodied, the palate has fantastic tension with fine-grained tannins and red and black berry layers, finishing with impressive purity. 2015 (92 points) Langoa Barton 2015 is medium to deep garnet in color. It soars from the glass with expressive redcurrant jelly and warm cassis scents, followed by nuances of candied violets, chocolate box, and wild thyme. The medium-bodied palate is still showing a little oak with delicate berry layers and a soft texture, finishing with lovely freshness. 2012 (92 points) The 2012 Langoa Barton is medium to deep garnet colored. It features notions of warm cassis, Morello cherries, and dried roses with hints of fallen leaves, mossy tree bark, and cloves. The medium-bodied palate has compelling tension and energy, with ripe, fine-grained tannins supporting the generous fruits, leading to a long and perfumed finish on this beautiful wine.