There are few names in Bordeaux more synonymous with quality, reliability and value than that of the Barton family. Their two Saint Juliens, Châteaux Léoville and Langoa Barton, are invariably excellent and, more often than not, offer some of the best value to be found within their appellation. A prime example of this is 2016 Langoa Barton.
2016 is a truly classic Bordeaux vintage, with modest alcohols, fresh acidity, balance and class. To quote our Chairman: “the wines are just so Bordeaux”. Our Ten Years On tasting at the beginning of the year was as successful as we had anticipated: you really can’t go wrong in 2016, especially so in the Northern Médoc. Saint Julien, as is so often the case, was remarkably consistent. Langoa Barton’s performance was outstanding, coming third in the flight (after Léovilles Poyferré and Lascases). Indeed, on overall scores, it topped a number of first growths (including two on the left bank) and a host of second growths to boot.
Prices for Bordeaux have not looked so attractive for years. At £460 per dozen in bond, 2016 Langoa is just £40 per dozen above its 2017 release price and works out to just under £50 per bottle after taxes. That's for a ten-year-old over-performing third growth from an excellent vintage. As our own Thomas Parker MW writes (after buying some for himself): “this long, perfectly balanced Saint Julien delivers so much pleasure it makes you wonder why you would need to buy anything more expensive”.
Our stock is lying with us, packed in original cases of six or twelve bottles. It’s drinking very well now, ideally with a decant to get things properly going, or you can cellar for a decade plus. It is a perfect example of what proper, seriously good claret is all about.
I bought a case of this off the back of a strong performance at the Ten Years On tasting, and am going to have to buy more. The bottles I have opened at home so far have been brilliant - deep purple in colour with explosive dark fruit aromatics that have the cool edge which makes 2016 northern Médoc so appetising. The Bartons got it right this year - as they so often do - blending Cabernet's structure with deep, moreish fruit that is never heavy. The structure is there but only adds crunch and savour, I typically just throw the wine into a decanter 15-20 minutes before drinking and enjoy the evolution over an evening. Serious but with ample supple fruit, this long, perfectly balanced Saint Julien delivers so much pleasure it makes you wonder why you would need to buy anything more expensive. The finish is vibrant, bursting with fruit that has subtle support from carefully judged and integrated wood. It's terrific value for money and a wine that will please Bordeaux purists and newcomers alike.
The 2016 Langoa Barton has an exquisite bouquet with perfumed black and blueberry fruit, beautifully integrated oak, the most sensual aromatics among the flight of Saint-Julien. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, very lithe and fluid, touches of liquorice that come through towards the velvety finish. I actually thought this was the Léoville Poyferré! Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting. 2030-2060
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.
This is a controlled, confident and elegant demonstration of the appellation in this vintage. Coffee grounds on the nose and through the mid palate with tight, cassis-drenched fruits, cedar and menthol, ticking those St-Julien boxes. Drinking Window 2027 - 2050
Owned by the Barton family since 1821, Langoa Barton is a third growth St-Julien estate known for its traditional approach and consistent quality. The 20ha of vines average 35 years in age and are planted on deep gravel soils. The 2016 blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc was vinified in temperature-controlled wooden vats and aged 18 months in French oak barrels (60% new). Georgie Hindle: Ripe, concentrated, evocative nose: sweet florals, toasted tobacco and clove. Linear and a touch strict, wet stone and graphite, toasted cedar on the finish. Great classicism and ageing potential. Vincenzo Arnese: Fresh, lifted and nicely leafy. Palate shows good freshness and structure. Very elegant with a moderate finish. Robert Mathias MW: Violets, cassis, pencil shavings and warm gravel: all the hallmarks of a classic St-Julien. Iodine and oyster shell, accents of cocoa and cedar. Drink 2025-2040.
Tasted blind. Spicy, intense and interesting on the nose. Now this has the class and intensity of a great wine! Polish and salinity too. Pure pleasure. Long and suave. Lots of minerality.
Drink 2026 – 2045
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.
