Château Langoa Barton 2007 was a Decanter Wine of the Year; and it comes as no surprise whatsoever that in a difficult vintage such as 2007 the Bartons have produced a standout wine. The Langoa is, as ever, a charming wine and certainly represents good value for money.

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.

Appealing brambly black fruit and aromatic red fruits on the nose. The palate is pleasing, enticing with plum and dark blackberry fruit. There are hints of leaf tea but no astringency. Decent vitality and a gentle persistence.

“Violet-tinged nose, bright red-berried fruit, a touch of maraschino and raspberry leaf. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, less weight than in barrel so perhaps not a Langoa with great depth but that does not matter, since it has great purity of fruit, no signs of any greenness, with a supple, focused blackberry finish that hits the spot nicely. A commendable 2007 Saint Julien.” eRobertParker.com