Chateau Langoa Barton 2016

The Barton name has been known in Bordeaux since 1722 when Thomas Barton left Ireland to become a wine Merchant in the City. In 1841, he purchased Pontet-Langlois and promptly renamed it Langoa Barton. Today the 9th generation is currently in charge of the estate; Lillian Barton and it is the only estate from the 1855 classification which is still in the hands of the same family.

The estate is planted 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc. The family also owns Chateau Leoville Barton. Interestingly enough, the chateau on the label of Leoville Barton is actually the building at Langoa Barton.

Wine Spectator: 95
Sappy and dense, with kirsch, plum reduction, mulled açai berry and warmed fig fruit showing impressive range, while licorice snap, ganache and roasted apple wood notes jostle behind them. Mouthwatering acidity should give this plenty of time to round into form. Best from 2025 through 2040.

Wine Advocate: 93
The 2016 Langoa Barton is medium to deep garnet-purple colored and opens with cedar, red and black currants, kirsch and menthol with smoked meats. The palate is medium to full-bodied, firm, grainy and packed with youthful, energetic fruit, finishing long and perfumed.

Decanter: 93
Langoa is vinified and aged in the same way as Léoville Barton, the difference being the terroir and varietal blend – even that is not strikingly different. Vibrant and stylish nose, with blackcurrant, black fruits and liquorice. Juicy and full-bodied, it displays swagger, robust tannins and concentration, but not to excess. Vigorous and long finish. Drinking Window 2023 - 2042.

Wine Enthusiast: 93
Big and packed with spice and smokiness, this wine is full of rich black fruits and juicy acidity. Wood aging adds a light touch of toastiness at this stage but will integrate to give a ripe wine ready to drink from 2024.

Vinous: 93
The 2016 Langoa Barton is soft, pliant and absolutely delicious. Succulent red cherry, rose petal, lavender, mocha and sweet spice fill out the wine's mid-weight frame effortlessly. Succulent and inviting, the 2016 is terrific today. The 2016 is marked by its energy and freshness, much of that the result of the Cabernet Franc, which is on the higher end of the range by historical standards. Tasted two times.

Vinous: 93

The 2016 Langoa Barton is soft, pliant and absolutely delicious. Succulent red cherry, rose petal, lavender, mocha and sweet spice fill out the wine's mid-weight frame effortlessly. Succulent and inviting, the 2016 is terrific today. The 2016 is marked by its energy and freshness, much of that the result of the Cabernet Franc, which is on the higher end of the range by historical standards. Tasted two times.

James Suckling: 96
Beautiful aromas of flowers and berries, intermingled in fresh and brambly mode with a cedary edge. This is very fresh. The tannins carve an exceptionally deep, long line through the dark berries and cassis and deliver a very powerful, unwavering finish. This is in great form. Very powerful and focused. Try from 2024.

Jeb Dunnuck: 92
Another beautiful Saint-Julien, the 2016 Château Langoa Barton reveals a saturated purple color to go with ample black, plummy, cherry fruits that are balanced by notes of scorched earth, licorice, and earth. This sexy, plump, chewy effort doesn’t give up too much elegance, yet it packs tons of fruit, character, and delicious charm. Drink it over the coming two decades or more. The blend is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, and 8% Cabernet Franc, and it’s well worth having in your cellar.

Jeb Dunnuck: 92

Another beautiful Saint-Julien, the 2016 Château Langoa Barton reveals a saturated purple color to go with ample black, plummy, cherry fruits that are balanced by notes of scorched earth, licorice, and earth. This sexy, plump, chewy effort doesn’t give up too much elegance, yet it packs tons of fruit, character, and delicious charm. Drink it over the coming two decades or more. The blend is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, and 8% Cabernet Franc, and it’s well worth having in your cellar.