Château Langoa Barton 2005 is exceptionally well priced for a third growth and will repay cellaring handsomely.

Château Langoa Barton is the stablemate of Léoville-Barton and always the subject of comparison but they are definitely two different estates.

Langoa invariably shows perhaps a more feminine and accessible side with Leoville being more muscular. In modern times the Château has been remarkably consistent and represents great value.

The estate has been in the hands of the Barton family since 1821, and is the longest family ownership of any Bordeaux châteaux.

"A stunning 2005 that over-achieves…and some. A lucid garnet colour. There is a sumptuous, almost decadent quality to the nose with notes of raspberry, black plum, mulberry, just a hint of Seville orange marmalade, all with wonderful definition and freshness. The palate is full-bodied with a velutinous entry. An unashamedly seductive Langoa with very fine tannins and a tangible lightness of touch married with immense purity. The middle and finish have an unerring symmetry whilst the finish is about as seamless as Saint Julien can get (actually redolent of a less turbo-charged Leoville Las-Cases.) Moderate length: blackberry, tobacco and a touch of pepper on the finish. A Langoa that I suspect is more for medium- rather than long-term drinking like its sibling. But who cares...delicious." eRobertParker.com