Chateau Langoa Barton 2005
Very elegant by now, with structure, scent and firm tannins. A true claret which is not to be bandoned in the rush to flashy modernism. Langoa Barton has 20 hectares of vineyards (Cabernet Sauvignon 71%, Merlot 21%, Cabernet Franc 8%) lie on gravelly-clay soils. Vinification includes 18 months' maturation in oak barriques (50% new). Langoa Barton is vinified and matured in exactly the same way as Léoville-Barton and any difference between them must be put down to variations in the soils and exposure of their respective vineyard blocks. Very high and consistent scores.
Leading comments are:
95 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Tasted at the Langoa-Barton vertical in London. A stunning 2005 that over-achieves…and some. A lucid garnet colour. There is a sumptuous, almost decadent quality to the nose with notes of raspberry, black plum, mulberry, just a hint of Seville orange marmalade, all with wonderful definition and freshness. The palate is full-bodied with a velutinous entry. An unashamedly seductive Langoa with very fine tannins and a tangible lightness of touch married with immense purity. The middle and finish have an unerring symmetry whilst the finish is about as seamless as Saint Julien can get (actually redolent of a less turbo-charged Leoville Las-Cases.) Moderate length: blackberry, tobacco and a touch of pepper on the finish. A Langoa that I suspect is more for medium- rather than long-term drinking like its sibling. But who cares...delicious! Drink 2012-2030. NM Tasted April 2009
92 points Wine & Spirits
This vintage emphasizes dark chocolate and French roast coffee scents. Its luscious cherry flavors give a soft, round impression in the middle, then it lightens up a little, needing time for the flavors to extend. The fineness of Langoa is there, and should be more apparent in ten years' time. (10/2008)
92 points Wine Enthusiast
Big, ripe, almost exotic, this has developed impressively over the past 18 months. Its tannins are certainly huge, but so is the fruit, warm, rich and enticing. Very powered, it thrusts black currants and acidity right up front. (RV) (6/2008)
92 points Wine Spectator
Wonderful aromas of licorice, crushed blackberry and mineral. Full-bodied, with very well-integrated tannins and vanilla, berry and aniseed flavors. Has a long, long finish. (JS) (3/2008)
