CHÂTEAU LANGOA BARTON

Softer than I expected given the highly extracted, exceptionally tannic wines routinely produced by proprietor Anthony Barton, the oaky, powerfully concentrated, dense 2010 Langoa Barton possesses silky, well-integrated tannins. Nevertheless, the level of wood and the primary nature of the black currant and black cherry fruit suggest 7-8 years of cellaring will be essential. This is a 30-year wine. 2018-2048 Rating: 90-92 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, www.RobertParker.com (May 2011)

(73% cabernet sauvignon, 17% merlot, and 10% cabernet franc; 13.2% alcohol; 60% new oak) Dark ruby-purple. Aromatic notes of Oriental spices and smoky vanilla add an extra dimension to the ripe red cherry and strawberry scents. Creamy-sweet in the mouth, but with nicely integrated acidity lifting the ripe red berry and red cherry flavors complicated by sweet spices, licorice and pepper. The long finish features youthfully chewy but noble tannins. As good as this wine is, a little more density would have merited an even higher score. Rating: 88-91 Ian d'Agata, www.vinousmedia.com (May 2011)

A dark wine with a dense, crimson rim. More perfume and open expression here. The dark fruit aromas have a beautifully lifted, crystalline edge to them which is really appealing. This has a real polish on the palate, the fruit showing really fresh definition, polished but with linear edges and good focus. There is a mineral feel to it and a grip and vigour to accompany this. Supple, attractive, firmly grippy finish,. really good life in this wine. Rating: 17-18/20 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2011)

Tasted 17 Feb: Blend just done. Very dark purple. Really rather exotic on the nose. Very lustrous and luscious. Extremely ripe and hedonistic – like 2009 but with more tannin. Tasted blind 8 Apr: Mid crimson. Notably ripe with black fruits on the nose. Then sinew and a cool finish but much more luscious than some St-Juliens. Not tarted up. A very good ambassador for the vintage’s characteristics. Dry finish. Very fine tannins. Succulent fruit on the nose. Lively and polished and with real vitality and pzazz. Good lift yet the solid framework of a fine St-Julien. Still very embryonic with lots of fine tannins. 2020-2035 Rating: 17.5 Jancis Robinson OBE MW - www.JancisRobinson.com (Apr 2011)

The Langoa Barton has a very ripe, well-defined bouquet with dark berried fruits and just a hint of oyster shell. The palate is silky smooth, cashmere tannins, very pure with dark cherries a touch of cassis, very refined and composed, slips down the throat beautifully. So pure and beguiling, there is a crystalline quality to this Langoa that is utterly compelling. Drink 2018- Rating: 92-94 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2011)

Very good extraction of supple, succulent ripe fruit, a beautifully lifted and long palate, the length and harmony of a great Langoa. Drink 2018-35. Rating: ****18 Steven Spurrier (Apr 2011)

What a depth of fruit here, with dark chocolate and currants and blackberries. Full and velvety. Wonderful texture. Like it. Better than 2009. Rating: 93-94 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2011)

Pure, with a gorgeous beam of dark cassis and violet racing along, while black tea, spice, tobacco and tar flitter in the background. The finish is superpolished and very, very long. Rating: 92-95 James Molesworth, The Wine Spectator (Apr 2011)