Chateau Langoa Barton Saint Julien 2018

Château Langoa-Barton is one of the few remaining Bordeaux estates still owned by the original family (the Bartons), who purchased the property in 1821. It is classified as a Third Growth (Troisième Cru Classé) in the 1855 Bordeaux classification. It lies in the heart of the Saint-Julien AOC on the Left Bank. The vineyard covers around 20 hectares, planted on gravelly soils with a clay subsoil, a classic Médoc terroir that drains well and favours structured, age worthy wines. A small portion (about 10%) of the vineyard is managed organically, though the majority is farmed conventionally under reasoned viticulture.

The 2018 Château Langoa-Barton is a blend of roughly 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc. The grapes are harvested manually, fermented in large vats, and matured in French oak barrels (a portion new) for around 18 months. On the nose and palate, one finds dark berry and plum fruit, cedar, tobacco and a hint of spice, with ripe tannins and a balanced structure. The finish is long, layered and slightly savoury. This wine pairs beautifully with roast lamb or beef, hearty stews or aged cheeses, dishes that stand up to its richness and structure.