Revisting Langoa Barton 2013

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The 2013 Langoa Barton greets you with a fragrant swirl of Asian spice and cedar, weaving through lush black fruit. As the wine breathes, a cool whisper of stone rises to the surface. On the palate, it reveals a medium body and vibrant, mineral-laced red berries. Neal Martin describes it best: delicate tension leads to a finish that is fresh, balanced, and gently cedar-kissed. For optimal enjoyment, serve at around 18°C and consider decanting for 30 minutes to let the aromas and flavours open fully.

An alternative is: uncork the bottle, pour a 2-finger width into your glass to benchmark and check for faults, leave space for breathing, put the cork back, stand it in the fridge for a day, then bring it out and let it breathe for an hour. My friends enjoyed that bottle, as it showed everything it had to offer. The 13% ABV keeps it surviving.

Today, Langoa Barton stands out as a lighter yet quintessential Cru from Saint-Julien, balancing strength and elegance. Its ability to evolve in the cellar shows its noble heritage. Composed of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 8% Cabernet Franc, it spends 20 months maturing in oak barrels, half of which are new. The 2013 vintage, while more delicate and refined, still promises some longevity and often survives well for a couple of years.

With a score of WE92, a respectable rating, it is noted that "the wine now in the bottle has retained the lively character found in the barrel tasting. It also possesses a firm structure with layers of wood and intense acidity. This wine will age over the medium term, so it is best enjoyed starting in 2019." This score highlights the wine's quality and ageing potential, making it appealing to wine enthusiasts. Additionally, JS92 remarked, "I like the pure, clean fruit with medium to full body, integrated tannins, and a juicy finish, along with a hint of sliced lemon and dark fruit undertone. It has a long, subtle finish." Quite true.

Compared to other recent vintages, the 2013 stands out for its refined structure and freshness. While warmer years like 2010 or 2015 produced more powerful, concentrated Langoa Barton, the 2013 offers a lighter touch with aromatic complexity and elegance. Its score and character make it appealing for those seeking a classic Saint-Julien to enjoy in the short to medium term, and for collectors interested in more accessible, earlier-drinking vintages.

This article was originally from Dunn Dunn Plus. It is rewritten today with AI assistance.