Château Langoa Barton 2016 Saint-Julien

The Barton family, the current owners of Château 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 Château Langoa Barton is quite different than that of their other estate, Château Léoville 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 Léoville 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.

Ruby / purple color, the intense and complex nose reveals hints of black fruit, brioche bread. The attack is vivid and velvety. The mid-palate enhanced the blackfruit notes, unveiled firstly on the nose and some toasty notes. The wine is juicy and fleshy with elegant tannins. Final on the length.

"Langoa is vinified and aged in the same way as Léoville Barton, the difference being the terroir and varietal blend – even that is not strikingly different. Vibrant and stylish nose, with blackcurrant, black fruits and liquorice. Juicy and full-bodied, it displays swagger, robust tannins and concentration, but not to excess. Vigorous and long finish." 93 points, Decanter

"Big and packed with spice and smokiness, this wine is full of rich black fruits and juicy acidity. Wood aging adds a light touch of toastiness at this stage but will integrate to give a ripe wine ready to drink from 2024." 93 points, Wine Enthusiast

"It has a very succinct bouquet, with a mixture of black and red fruit, a slight sea spray/estuarine tincture, hints of leather and brown spice in the background. The palate is very harmonious on the entry with a grainy texture. There is good backbone here, maybe just a little foursquare compared to other Saint Julien wines, but it gathers pace towards the finish that displays touches of spice and cedar. Understated and classic Langoa." 93 points, Wine Advocate

Château Langoa Barton 2016 Saint-Julien Grand Cru Classe.