Château Langoa Barton 2019

Ripe and juicy, with a youthfully compact core of steeped plum, blueberry and black currant fruit. The finish is scored by violet and singed apple wood notes, with a tug of tar peeking in as well. Offers ample fruit and inner freshness, so this should open up soon enough. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2025 through 2038. 7,950 cases made.

Quite strongly perfumed on the nose here, full, heady, more pronounced than some of the others with a richness and intensity to the nose. High toned straight away, a combination of quite ripe acidity, almost brusque on the palate with a creaminess to the tannins. Doesn't feel totally harmonious right now but there is great density of fruit, good acidity, brightness and soft tannins with a liquorice kick at the end, cooling and fresh. Lots going on here, just needs to come together.

Plenty of blackberry, currant and floral aromas. Some mint as well, following through to a full-bodied palate with layers of ultra-fine tannins and wonderful length. This is sophisticated and beautifully crafted with style and personality, displaying its terroir. Extremely well done. Drink after 2025.

67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc. Barrel sample. Attractive nose of dark fruit with a savoury edge. Palate joyous and juicy with plenty of lift, the tannins ripe and smooth. Clean, long and harmonious. Everything in its place. (JL)

The 2019 Langoa-Barton is every bit as delicious as it was from barrel. The purity of the flavors is just striking. Inky red fruit, blood orange, spice, mint and pomegranate are pushed forward. This is an especially succulent, richly textured Langoa, and that's not a bad thing for a wine that in some vintages is a bit light.

Deep in color, the wine is full-bodied, crisp, fresh, juicy and spicy. Medium-full/bodied, with a core of crunchy, black currants, cranberry, pomegranate and spice. This is not a forward wine, like many 2019s, so give it at least a decade or more for all of its creme de cassis to fill-out, soften and become approachable. Drink from 2033-2060.

Dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, delicate edge brightening. Some fig, delicate hints of eucalyptus, subtle nougat, candied orange zest, ripe plum in the background. Complex, juicy Black Forest berry fruit, fine, ripe tannins, lively structure, salty-mineral finish, sticks well, will benefit from bottle ageing.

Very elegant with floral hints, violet, ample dark fruit, cassis, tobacco and crushed stone. Nice palate being dense and fresh in a classic profile yet with fine polish and grain leading to a very long finish.

A soft, seamless, beautifully textured Saint-Julien, especially in the vintage, the 2019 Château Langoa Barton gives up lots of red and black currant fruits as well as textbook damp earth, leafy herbs, chocolate, and spring flowers. It's complex, medium to full-bodied, has beautiful tannins, and no hard edges. Drink this beauty any time over the coming 20-25 years. The blend is 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc.

Kunz barrel sample 2020: (67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 13.92% alc. vol.) Dense, velvety, complex, fresh bouquet, cassis, plums, cedar, black tea, nougat, cinnamon stick, cloves. Tightly knit, elegant, fruity palate with dense, dark fruit, diverse, fresh aromatics, plenty of fine tannins, dense, creamy structure, very long, full finish.

(67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 13.92% vol. alcohol) Dense, velvety, complex, fresh bouquet: cassis, plums, cedar, black tea, nougat, cinnamon stick, cloves. Tightly knit, elegant, fruity palate with dense dark fruit, diverse, fresh aromatics, plenty of fine tannins, dense, creamy structure, very long, full finish. 18/20 2025 - 2048

Muscular tannins here, a little less succulent than the 2018 vintage but with greater structure and control, along with St Julien finesse. This is flush with cassis and blueberry fruits, alongside liquorice root, black chocolate, dark pepper spice, a ton of bristling tannins and a fresh core. Another brilliant vintage for a resurgent Langoa.

A blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, and 7% Cabernet Franc, the 2019 Langoa Barton is deep garnet-purple in color. It storms out with powerful blackcurrant and baked plums scents, followed by suggestions of cedar, allspice, and fragrant soil. The medium-bodied palate delivers mouth-filling black fruit with soft tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing with a spicy lift.

The 2019 vintage suits it perfectly, bringing a silky roundness at mid-palate that makes it very tempting. The finish is fresh, sapid and lingers nicely. A success for Langoa Barton.

The bouquet of Langoa-Barton is inviting, almost seductive. It reveals irresistible notes of praline as well as aromas of blackberry and licorice. On the palate, the wine stands out for its ability to bridge charm and power. Its tannins are fine, creamy, silky yet powerful. A wine of great finesse, brimming with spirit and class.

Dark, intense, and beautiful color. Highly aromatic nose with fresh fruit. Caressing on the attack, flavorful mid-palate, slightly fresh; the wine delivers plenty of flavor on the finish, along with a firmness that had disappeared in recent years. Normal length.

The powerful tannins give this wine structure. They go with the jammy black fruits and richness. Spice and a complex texture are promising in this fine, stylish wine. Drink from 2026.