Château Langoa Barton 2024

Luminous ruby red and strikingly pure on the nose, with expressive fruit, subtle roasted notes, and floral tones; creamy entry, builds impressive drive while remaining elegant, ultra-fine tannins provide structure, aromatically complex with a long finish. Once again, a rock-solid sure bet.

Fragrant raspberry and red cherry on the nose. Floral scents with some herbal, blackcurrant leaf aspects too. Grippy and lively, this has personality with bright cherry fruit, clean and clear, before slightly salty but fine tannins come in. Round and soft, crushed velvet with a gentle persistence. I love the structure and the overall weight, the Cabernet really shining. Compact on the finish where the tannins reside but this has a nice elegance and lift. Ageing 60% new oak. Tasted twice.

Black currants, leafy tobacco, and cedar are already expressive. Crisp, juicy, fresh, and subtle, the fruits are energetic and refined, leaving you with currants and cherries on the finish in this medium-bodied charmer. The wine blends 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 8% Cabernet Franc. 13% ABV. Harvest took place September 24 - October 5. Drink from 2028-2044. 91-93 pts

(52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc) Lovely fruity, gourmand nose offering a certain refined richness, fine aromatic concentration and some depth. It reveals notes of boysenberry, pulpy/fresh raspberry and, more subtly, cornflower, along with touches of fresh/pulpy red berries, lilac, clove, a hint of camphor, streaks of Sichuan pepper and a subtle touch of tobacco. The palate is deftly handled, fresh, mineral, taut and precise, with juiciness and a lovely definition of fruit. Beautiful freshness, juiciness and brightness of fruit. On the palate, the wine shows notes of juicy/fresh blackberry, raspberry and, more lightly, juicy/pulpy Bigarreau cherry, with touches of red berries, a hint of cornflower, sweet pepper as well as a subtle hint of blueberry (in the background) and nutmeg. The tannins are supple and gourmand. Attractive sapidity and indulgence on the finish/persistence. Lovely texture and a subtle sappy note.

Floral peony and lilac aromatics on the Langoa, and the fruit character keeps things finessed and soft - think red cherry, cherry pit, tobacco, black tea, thoroughly charming, just a little short on the finished compared to the exceptional 2022 or 2023 vintages. The difference in the blends between the two Barton St Julien wines is significant this year, with just over 50% here of Cabernet Sauvignon compared to over 90% in Léoville. Harvest 24 September to 5 October. 60% new oak, 30hl/h yield.

Deep colour. Intense nose with ripe, fresh fruit. Delicate on the attack, slightly discreet through the mid-palate, the wine picks up again on the finish, becoming more aromatic, with medium body and medium length. Blend: 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc. Alcohol: 13%.