Château Langoa Barton 2018

In the army of high-proof, full-bodied wines, it might get overlooked, but with its “only” 13.5% ABV, wonderfully rounded, silky tannins, and astonishing harmony, Langoa ranks among the few truly classic wines of the year. Top buy!

The 2018 Langoa Barton has a deep garnet-purple color and notions of ripe blackcurrants, fresh blackberries and kirsch with touches of bouquet garni, cedar chest and pencil lead plus a hint of crushed rocks. The medium-bodied palate is elegantly styled and refreshing with bright, red fruit and herbal sparks lifting the black fruit and an approachable, chewy texture, finishing savory.

Ripe and focused, with a lovely core of steeped plum, fig and cassis notes liberally laced with graphite and applewood. A violet note chimes brightly on the finish. Absolutely rock solid. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2023 through 2036. 7,800 cases made.

Ruby red in colour, with clove aromatics. Firm tannic structure, without having the 360-degree reach of the 2016s, but this is an enjoyable, well-balanced and well-judged St-Julien with power but careful extraction. Bright berry fruits, a little austere — at least right now — but plenty of potential.

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.

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.

Cassis, chocolate mint, flowers and tobacco leaf aromas is where the wine starts. But it is on the full-bodied palate with all of its chewy, crisp, fresh, vibrant layers of bright, spicy currants that you get the full character here. Youthful and tannic as expected, allow this at least a decade of aging before pulling a cork. The wine blends 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc.

Dark ruby, purple reflections, faint brightening on the rim. Finely spiced dark berry conserve, dark cherry fruit, some nougat and candied orange zest. Juicy sweet cherry, integrated tannins, freshly structured with a mineral finish. A lively food wine. (2020-2035)

Made by the stellar team at Léoville Barton and a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, and the balance Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Château Langoa Barton sports a deep ruby/purple hue to go with a charming, medium- to full-bodied, velvety-textured 2018 with terrific notes of red, blue, and black fruits as well as spice box, dried flowers, and a touch of lead pencil. It has surprising up-front appeal, with ripe, velvety tannins and nicely integrated acidity, and it's going to shine with just 4–5 years of bottle age and keep for 20+.

Deep purple. Captivating bouquet of dark cherry and ripe blueberries, with sandalwood and chocolate pastilles in the background. On the firm palate, a finely austere texture and grainy extract; a real powerhouse with a hearty, gripping tannic framework. The currently closed finish shows delicate black-berry contours, where spicy elements like juniper, cedar, and a noble astringency dominate. Hands off and wait!

Kunz barrel sample 19: (63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 13.85% alc./vol.) Closed, mineral, powerful bouquet: blackberries, black cherries, cedar, currants, licorice. Balanced, velvety, fruity palate with powerful, sweet fruit, fine tannins, diverse dark aromatics, dense, creamy structure, long fruity finish.

Spicy, velvety, powerful, fruity bouquet: cassis, blackberry jelly, black tea, black pepper, licorice. Balanced, dense, powerful palate with dark, velvety fruit, fine tannins, intense dark aromatics, dense structure, long, aromatic finish. 18/20 2025 - 2050

At this point Langoa was really starting to stand out among its peers in St-Julien, and it is performing extremely strongly here. It retains the touch of austerity that I found En Primeur, with powerful tannins asserting their presence, but shot through with sappy, smiling raspberry and blackberry fruit. Woodsmoke, liquorice and clove spices show the warmth of the year. Excellent stuff, one to look out for. Technical director François Brehant, consultant Eric Boissenot.

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.

In the shadow of its big brother Léoville, Langoa never lacks appeal. This is once again the case with the 2018, offering a delicious balance and a silky-touch texture. Beautifully integrated tannins and subtle oak.

Superb floral intensity marked by notes of violet and peony. The fruit is, of course, not missing and comes through with inviting notes of black berries and a hint of candied sweetness. On the palate, the wine is creamy, fruity, and perfectly balanced. A beautiful symbiosis between the tannins that emerge on the finish and the structure that lends temperament. An elegant wine with character!

The nose is elegant, precise and offers finesse, a touch of depth, subtle power and a certain complexity. It reveals notes of fresh blackberry, fresh blackcurrant and, more lightly, ripe wild strawberry, combined with hints of cornflower, lily and morello cherry, as well as touches of tonka bean, sweet spices, racy, almost saline minerality, bergamot and a subtle hint of pepper. The palate is fresh, finely defined and precise, offering tension, lovely fine grain, elegance, minerality and energy, along with an attractive, racy minerality, roundness, savoriness and a touch of glycerol. On the palate, the wine expresses notes of juicy/fresh blackberry, bright blackcurrant and, more lightly, bright cherry, combined with a touch of violet and lily, as well as a hint of crunchy purple plum, fine touches of racy minerality, sweet spices and nutmeg, plus an imperceptible hint of cardamom and fresh hazelnut. Good length. The tannins are precise, elegant and well handled. A delicate hint of chocolate and toasted almond lingers on the finish.

Logo on the cork: JL (Lafitte Liège)

92–94. Barrel Sample. This wine has generous tannins that are matched by a blackberry flavor. It has the structure and concentration that will allow the wine to age.