Langoa Barton 2002

The saturated ruby/plum-tinged 2002 reveals a tight but promising nose of underbrush, new saddle leather, damp earth, black currants and cherries. It is a strongly structured, potent effort with medium to full body, and impressive purity, but loads of tannin presented in a frightfully backward style. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. I seem to consistently underrate this wine when it is young.

Tasted blind at Farr's 2002 Bordeaux tasting. Super ripe blackberry, bilberry and plum on the nose, certainly with some unresolved new oak but everything is in synch. The palate is ripe, decadent, thick bold tannins, very deep, extrovert, tannic grippy finish. Could this be Las-Cases? Ripe blackberry, raspberry and cedar/graphite on the finish. Backward but assertive. Impressive more than pleasurable at the moment. Tasted October 2009.

Drink 2010-20 Very Cabernet and aromatic and silky. Lovely super-bordeaux style of wine. Fresh. Delicate. Perhaps a bit fragile but very seductive and appetising. This wine can still be found for a very good price. GV.

This is not the typical, tannic, macho style expected from proprietor Anthony Barton. The 2002 Langoa Barton reveals a surprising suppleness, with soft, ripe, black currant, and new saddle leather aromas, as well as a nicely textured, medium-bodied, spicy personality. It requires 2-3 years of cellaring, and should drink well for 15+ years.