2012 Château Langoa-Barton
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Tasting notes
70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc. 60% new oak. Very dark in fruit character and just a tiny bit jammy on the nose. Not unripe but not doesn’t quite sing either. Firm grippy tannins and a dark almost salty minerality on the palate. Dense and rather austere in style. FINE+RARE
Critic scores
FINE+RARE
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 2012 Langoa-Barton has an open-knit bouquet with red fruit and embers, almost ash-like scents, gradually offering a little more cohesion. One of the more opulent Saint-Juliens on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chewy tannins. Fleshy, nicely balanced, approachable with a spicy kick towards quite a substantial finish, this Langoa wears its heart on its sleeve and has wonderful tension throughout. Tasted twice at Bordeaux Index's Ten Year-On tasting and blind at the Southwold Ten-Year On tasting.
Mid garnet. Looks very slightly more evolved than the Léoville Barton tasted alongside. Already with some appeal on the nose. Fresh with light fruit and just slightly pinched finish. But admirably classic. (JR)
Classic, signature Langoa, evident sandalwood and cedar smoke on the nose, coupled with violet, peony and rose petals flowers, fresh acidities from juicy blackberry and raspberry fruits, still has plenty of grip that suggests you can begin to drink today, but it should improve further over the next 2 to 3 years, and then go for a good few decades. Enjoyable. Tasted also at the chateau in a vertical recently. 60% new oak.
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.