1986 Langoa Barton
Estimated value
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Tasting notes
Pale rim. Fully evolved nose. Quite dry and lean. Quite neutral. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Readers who have a touch of masochism in them may find this wine to be even better than I did. Every time I have tasted it, it has been burly, muscular, with monster tannins, impressive concentration, but absurdly backward and unyielding. The color is still a dense garnet with only a bit of lightening at the edge. The nose offers up aromas of truffle, licorice, dried herbs, mushrooms, and sweet currant fruit. In the mouth, the wine remains closed, tannic, and austere. It is probably fashionable to give up on wines such as this, but there is a lot underneath the tannin. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2025. Last tasted, 9/01.
About the producer
Hugh Barton purchased this estate, alongside Second Growth Ch. Léoville Barton, in the 1820s. Classified as a Third Growth and run by Lilian Barton with her children Damien and Mélanie today, the 20 hectares of vines produce some of the appellation’s most elegant wines – and at reasonable prices.