2010 Château Langoa Barton Saint-Julien

Château Langoa Barton tells us the fascinating story of an Irish family who came to France in 1722 and started in the industry as wine merchants. Through a long time of efforts and work, in 1745 they bought Château Le Boscq in St. Estèphe. And in that same year, they partnered with the Gustier family of Bordeaux, and together they founded the renewed brand to this day: Barton et Gustier.

It was in 1821 that the family acquired Pontet-Langlois, which eventually became: Château Langoa Barton. Shortly after, the family acquired the Château Leoville Barton but because that Château didn’t have a vat room, the wines were produced in Langoa Barton, however, the style of the wine is very different from each other.

Both estates are located on the Left Bank of Bordeaux, within the Médoc in the famous Saint Julien appellation, which is located between Margaux and Pauillac.

Château Langoa Barton is that it is one of the few estates in this region that has remained a family owned property for two hundred years! Currently in charge of Anthony Barton and Lilian Barton.

The charming Château Langoa Barton is neighbor to Chateau Leoville Barton, Chateau Leoville Poyferre, Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou and Chateau Beychevelle. It has more than 44 acres of vineyard planted with the queen grapes of Bordeaux: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and a few Petit Verdot vines, the vines are of 32 years old, although they have a few since 1953, and a spectacular terroir (as to be expected in Bordeaux!) composed of gravel and clay soils. Eric Boissenot is the technical director, and with him as the oenological consultant, the wine is a guaranteed success!

The 2010 vintage is recognized as one of the best vintages of Château Langoa Barton.

 Powerful wine. Floral notes and a touch of acacia. Perfect balance, full and lush, rounded off with long, tasty tannins. Pair this wine with hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms and pasta as well as cheese.

Blend: 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc.
Aging: 60% new French oak barrels for approximately 20 months.

Bright ruby. Sweet, high-pitched aromas of cassis and leather lifted by flowers. Ripe, chewy flavors of red fruits, spices, flowers and leather struck me as a bit Burgundian. Lovely depth and sweetness for this bottling. A big success in 2010, tactile and inviting from the start but with the stuffing and energy for mid-term aging. ~ 95 Vinous

Blueberry and blackberry aromas with hints of mint. Full body, with fine tannins and a chocolate, vanilla and berry aftertaste. This builds on the palate with fruit and tannins. Extremely polished. ~ 93 JS

Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Langoa Barton springs from the glass with notes of kirsch, black cherry compote and blueberry pie with touches of dried mint, pencil lead, tar and new leather. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a rock-solid frame of ripe, grainy tannins and loads of freshness supporting the dense, muscular black and blue fruits, finishing with a minty kick.  ~ 92 WA

(73% cabernet sauvignon, 17% merlot, and 10% cabernet franc; 13.2% alcohol; 60% new oak) Dark ruby-purple. Aromatic notes of Oriental spices and smoky vanilla add an extra dimension to the ripe red cherry and strawberry scents. Creamy-sweet in the mouth, but with nicely integrated acidity lifting the ripe red berry and red cherry flavors complicated by sweet spices, licorice and pepper. The long finish features youthfully chewy but noble tannins. As good as this wine is, a little more density would have merited an even higher score. ~ 91 Ian D'Agata (Vinous)