1988 Langoa Barton
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Tasting notes
The 1988 Langoa Barton, a vintage that I have not tasted before, has a really quite splendid bouquet with blackberry, briary, hints of wild heather and crushed rose petal. What a joy! The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins. It is not a deep wine, very linear and certainly unapologetically “old school” with its ferrous, slightly attenuated finish. But it is worth seeking out if only for that lovely mature Saint Julien bouquet. Gentleman’s claret anyone? Tasted at the château.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 1988 Langoa-Barton has some ripeness in its aroma, but is austere, compact, and medium-bodied. It should age well given the abundant tannins and firm framework. Drink it between now and the year 2000.
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.