Langoa Barton 2020

The 2020 Langoa Barton has quite a plush, violet-tinged bouquet, higher-toned than the Léoville Barton, though without the same unerring complexity. This just wants to go out and have fun. The palate has an irresistible rondeur, velvety smooth with black plum, hints of cassis and a sweet and persistent finish. Joyful.

Very pretty blackberry and blueberry character with blackcurrants and mint. It’s medium-to full-bodied with linear, tight tannins that are polished and fine.

Sporting a deep purple-black color, the 2020 Langoa Barton needs a little swirling to unlock youthfully muted scents of warm cassis, black cherry preserves and boysenberries, plus hints of menthol, graphite, tilled soil and bouquet garni. The medium-bodied palate is delicately played with impressive freshness delivered by the red berry and herbal sparks within a black-fruit core, with grainy tannins to support, finishing long and invigorating. 2026 - 2050

Restrained and serious, in keeping with the character of the vintage. Lovely silky tannins, unrolls slowly, with plenty of black fruits, mint leaf and pencil lead, this is delicous, restrained power, building on their success of recent vintages. 34hl/ha yield, harvest September 14 to 28.

Full bottle 1,345 g. Cask sample taken 6 April. 53.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 8.5% Cabernet Franc.
Healthy deep purplish crimson. High-toned, fully ripe nose that is rather seductive before a glossy, polished-tannin dry finish. Promises well for the future while being relatively charming even now. Not the most concentrated 2020 but everything is in balance. Well done. Sappy, dry finish. Very St-Julien. Some restraint despite the initial seduction. 13.5%
Drink 2028 – 2046

The 2020 is a blend of 53.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 8.5% Cabernet Franc that will be aged in barrel for 18 months. This will be the last vintage produced in the current cellar with a new one close to completion. Deep ruby-purple in the glass. Dark fruited, with cassis and sweet cherries on the nose, laced with nutmeg, vanilla and cedar. The palate is fleshy and full of the same dark fruit. Despite the ripeness, there is an elegance and balance with dried herbs and savoury spice. The tannins are mouthcoating but fine and ripe. Intense yet harmonious, this long, juicy wine is another excellent performer from Langoa Barton.

(54% CS, 38% M, 8% CF; 34hl/ha, 13.5% ABV; 60% new)
Light redcurrant and gravel nose; beautifully balanced, with a nice concentration, fresh in acidity, firm in very fine-grained tannins; dense, dry, red-fruit ripe flavor, even and elegant, with excellent length. Taut but not austere, beautifully cut, aromatic, complex, and very good indeed. Complete, restrained, but classy wine. A ripe red fruit and gravel classic. 2028–40+.