Château Langoa Barton - Saint-Julien 2015

Vinous

93 / 100

byNeal Martinthe7/10/2019

The 2015 Langoa Barton has a precise, understated but focused bouquet of pure blackberry and wild strawberry fruit laced with graphite and crushed stone. It becomes more floral with time, revealing incense and a touch of lavender. The medium-bodied palate offers supple tannin and beautiful, irresistible black fruit. This is silky-smooth and velvety in texture, with a sensual and very persistent finish. You could broach this now, although it deserves time in bottle. Yet another Saint-Julien that has improved over the last year. Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting.

Wine Advocate

91 / 100

byNeal Martinthe3/2/2018

The 2015 Langoa Barton has an expressive bouquet with a touch of hoisin on the nose, something a little “Far East” to add a little intrigue. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, very lithe in the mouth with a sweet core of black fruit. There is an approachability to this Langoa that makes it very appealing although I would like more complexity to develop with bottle age. Anticipated maturity: 2022 - 2040. 

Vinous

93 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe2/27/2018

What a nice surprise the 2015 Langoa-Barton is. Racy, silky and forward, the 2015 will drink well with minimal cellaring. Succulent red cherry and pomegranate fruit are nicely lifted by floral and spice notes that add aromatic intensity and layers of flavor. Silky tannins add to the wine's considerable immediacy and sheer appeal.

Wine Advocate

90 / 100

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe2/22/2018

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Langoa Barton is scented of cedar and Marmite toast with black fruit and fertile earth notes. The medium-bodied palate is oaky with a good fruit core, fine-grained tannins and nice freshness on the finish.

Wine Spectator

93 / 100

byJames Molesworththe2/15/2018

A fresh and vibrant style, with streaks of pastis-soaked plum and boysenberry fruit coursing through, carried by graphite and licorice snap notes and ending with a vigorous, juicy finish. Approachable a bit earlier than the main pack, but there's no rush either. Best from 2019 through 2038. 7,500 cases made.  –JM

Jamessuckling.com

94 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe2/12/2018

Layered and juicy 2015 with currants, light chocolate and cedar character. It’s full-bodied, round-textured and very pretty. Extremely long and flavorful. So friendly and bright. Drink or hold.

Decanter.com

92 / 100

byJane Ansonthe1/26/2018

Deep rich ruby in colour, this has a soft expression on the nose, layering redcurrant jelly and smoked oak. It has an enjoyably frank expression, a little less austere than some from St-Julien in this vintage, without sacrificing ageing ability. 60% new oak.

Wine Spectator

93 / 100

byJames Molesworththe1/10/2018

A fresh and vibrant style, with streaks of pastis-soaked plum and boysenberry fruit coursing through, carried by graphite and licorice snap notes. Best from 2019 through 2038

Jeb DUNNUCK

94 / 100

byJeb Dunnuckthe11/30/2017

Jancis Robinson

17 / 20

byJulia Harding MWthe11/8/2017

Mid bright crimson. Correct and brisk with something a bit agricultural about it. Then a hint of mint on the end. Chewy and dry and definitely old school. But based on the track record, this will presumably please eventually – just not very soon!

Vinifera

4 / 5

the5/31/2016

Le nez offre une agréable intensité. Corps souple, fondant, à la chair suave. Bonne évolution. La trame est fine, ciselée et fruitée. Belle finale.

The Wine Cellar Insider

90-92 / 100

byJeff Levethe4/30/2016

Crisp, dark, red plums and cassis on the nose, this medium/full-bodied wine offers freshness and brisk red berries in the classically styled finish. Produced from a blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc, reaching 13% alcohol.

Wine Advocate

88-90 / 100

byNeal Martinthe4/29/2016

The 2015 Langoa Barton is a blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc picked between 19 September and 5 October, matured in 60% new oak. It has a slightly smudged bouquet at first, a mixture of red and black fruit, a little sous-bois and tobacco developing in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with gently grippy tannin, veering more towards red fruit here, but laced with tobacco and cedar notes. The finish is austere and perhaps mean at the moment, so hopefully it will develop more flesh by the time of bottling. I must confess that I cannot remember tasting Langoa next to Léoville Barton at this stage and finding such a disparity between the two wines, attested by tasting the 2014s just afterwards and finding them closer together in terms of quality.

Bettane & Desseauve

17-17,5 / 20

the4/28/2016

Svelte et profond, intense, racé. Ferme, équilibré, parfaitement typé Saint-Julien, avec un tannin immédiat plus délié que par le passé et mieux intégré à la matière. Un rien trop sec dans son boisé pour le moment.

Vinous

90-93 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe4/27/2016

The 2015 Langoa Barton is fleshy, open-knit and absolutely delicious. Sweet red cherry and pomegranate are pushed forward, while hints of violet, lavender and spice add freshness and lift to the succulent finish. The gracious, feminine side of Saint-Julien comes through in spades. This is very nicely done. Tasted two times.

Decanter.com

92 / 100

bySteven Spurrierthe4/27/2016

Fine fragrance and fruit: shows the purity and depth of a classic vineyard with nothing exaggerated. Discreet but full of character; in perfect balance. 2022-2035

timatkin.com

93 / 100

byTim Atkin MWthe4/20/2016

Jancis Robinson

17 /

byJancis Robinsonthe4/18/2016

Almost timid on the nose, this wine is so polite. After you … Quite a bit of acidity compared with some. Very straight-backed rather than full of pleasure. Just depends on your preferred style - but this certainly builds towards an impressive finish. Drink 2027-2042

Wine Enthusiast

92-94 / 100

byRoger Vossthe4/15/2016

Barrel Sample. This wine is concentration in both tannins and fruit and has the potential to be generous in character. Red fruits and blackberry flavors mingle with the dry, firm tannins. 93 points

René Gabriel

18 / 20

the4/10/2016

54 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 38 % Merlot, 8 % Cabernet Franc. Tiefes Purpur, satt in der Mitte, Granatschimmer am Rand. Viel Kirschentöne und ein Hauch von Cassis, Edelhölzer dahinter und Zedernnuancen. Im Gaumen mit einer ansprechenden Konzentration aufwartend, er zeigt Rückhalt und gute Anlagen, er weist vielleicht tendenziell etwas bourgeoise Konturen auf, doch das ist eigentlich ja sein Grundstil. Man darf diesen Wein in der Jugend auf keinen Fall unterschätzten. Das zeigen reifere Jahrgänge. 18/20 2024 – 2042

Jamessuckling.com

92-93 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/5/2016

Very ripe and fruit with lots of mature berry and plum character. Full body, round tannins and a savory finish. Juicy.