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Châteaux Léoville and Langoa Barton have just released their 2008s. The Bartons stand out from the Bordelais crowd in that they are not influenced by neighbouring properties in terms of pricing their wines. They have always tried to release their wines with good value in mind with Léoville Barton being often significantly less than other Super Seconds en primeur (e.g. 2005 Léoville Barton £495 v 2005 Cos d’Estournel £1120). Anthony Barton’s genuine spirit and his impressive wine quality and style have always made us great supporters of his châteaux.
Anthony views his 2008s as similar to his 2001s, a vintage that is showing exceptionally well now. Luckily, we have been able to verify this at our recent portfolio tasting where Anthony showed verticals of both Léoville and Langoa. He feels that the vintage was saved by the long growing season and a very dry July – the driest July for years in fact – receiving only 23mm of rain compared to the average of around 54mm.
Ch Langoa Barton 3eme Cru, St. Julien
£240.00 per 12 IB
2013-2028+
A more masculine Langoa which is more reminiscent of Léoville than the typically rounder Langoa. Powerful with notes of roasted spice, morello cherry and pencil lead, this wine is deep and will need several years of cellaring before it shows its true potential.
WS:89-92, MJ:17, GD:88-90
Ch Léoville Barton 2eme Cru, St. Julien
£325.00 per 12 IB
2014-2030+
Rich, ample and velvety, this impressively endowed wine has a delicious red fruit core that fleshes out it mid-palate and adds depth to its dark chocolate undertones. Big, fine and long- lived on the palate, this is a “˜tour de force’ that will shine in the coming years.
WS:90-93, MJ:18, GD:90-93