Château Langoa Barton 2022

The wines of Château Langoa Barton have the gracefully elegant fruit of a Saint Julien coupled with the masculine, cedar qualities associated with a Pauillac during their strongest vintages.  If one is fortunate enough to visit the estate, the impressively large 18th Century Château might look familiar.  That is because this château is also the facility where the renowned “Super Second” and sister property, Château Léoville-Barton produces their wines. 

The structure on the label of the grand vin of Château Léoville Barton is actually Château Langoa Barton.  The histories and legacies of these two estates are so inextricably linked that it is impossible to discuss one without mentioning the other.  Though Château Leoville Barton often overshadows its younger sister, Château Langoa Barton, things are starting to change.  Both estates have impressively remained under the supervision of the Barton family for nine generations, and as the quality continues to increase it’s only a mere matter of time before they reach the levels of a Super Second.

It is quite impressive that Château Langoa Barton has remained under the ownership of the Barton family since it was classified as a Third Growth in 1855.  The estate originated in 1722 when Thomas Barton – an Irishman -- wanted to enter the wine business at the tender age of 27.  Thomas was successful due to his extensive list of French contacts such as partnerships with the powerful negociant family, Barton and Guestier.  Thomas decided to keep the majority of his assets in Ireland due to a French Law that stated if a foreigner had assets in France, the estate would be willed to the French crown upon their passing.  Fortunately, Thomas had a son who was a French citizen, and Château Langoa Barton could remain in the family. 

 An impressive nine generations of Bartons have managed this estate through tremendous highs and lows such as the French Revolution, the terror, Phylloxera, the Bordeaux crisis in the 1950s, and beyond.  The level of commitment to Château Langoa Barton and passion that flows in the veins of the Barton family is evident, and it’s clear throughout the years the increasing quality of these wines has reflected that.   The estate started to receive critical acclaim under the leadership of Anthon Barton, who took over when his uncle Ronald died in 1986.  Château Langoa Barton is currently managed by Lilian Barton Sartorious, and the technical director of the estate is Melanie Barton Sartorious – the first oenologist in the Barton dynasty.  

The 18-hectare vineyard is planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.  It is the smallest vineyard in the vast Léoville estate. The Barton family has increased the percentages of Merlot plantings over the years, and they believe there are scattered plantings of Petit Verdot in their distinctive, gravely terroir.  Ten percent of the property is farmed organically, and the wines are vinified in the same vat room as the wines of Château Leoville Barton.  According to the renowned wine critic, Robert Parker Jr, the wines of Château Langoa-Barton are grossly underpriced and significantly over deliver in terms of value.  

"Possibly the finest vintage I've tasted from this château, the 2022 Château Langoa Barton has a gorgeous perfume of red and black fruits intermixed with smoky tobacco, fresh flowers, and cedar. I love its overall balance, and it's medium to full-bodied, has a pure, layered mouthfeel, and present yet sweet, polished tannins. I love it even today, yet it deserves 4-6 years of bottle age and will cruise in cold cellars over the following two decades or more." - Jeb Dunnuck, (02/27/2025), Ratings: 95, Drink: 2025-2045

"The 2022 Langoa Barton has turned out superbly in bottle. Offering up aromas of cassis, blackberries, pencil shavings and violets, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and multidimensional, with velvety tannins, lively fruit and a long, penetrating finish. Seamless, integrated and intense, Langoa's more morcellated vineyards means that this estate has, if anything, gained even more from the Barton family's new vat room than its big brother Léoville Barton, as each parcel can now be fermented separately, optimizing its potential. This is the best young Langoa Barton I can remember tasting." - William Kelley, The Wine Advocate, (03/07/2025), Ratings: 95

"Supple and lively, this has energy and intensity from the start. Clean and precise, well worked, cool and fresh with tannins that do well to give the frame and structure without overwhelming the fruit. Really nice this year, good movement and liveliness, rich fruit but juicy and fun. Doesn't take itself too seriously and I really like it!! Harvest 8-23 September. Yield of 30hl/ha. Ageing in French oak, 60% new." - Georgina Hindle, Decanter, (05/25/2023), Ratings: 95

"The last few years have seen Langoa, in classically understated Barton way, turning into a barnstormer, with the value that was once reserved for Léoville. It's great in 2022, with its slightly cooler terroir really coming into its own. Luscious black cherry, sandalwood, campfire, crayon, crushed rocks, this is stuff, almost ready to go but will clearly deliver for decades." - Jane Anson, (03/07/2025), Ratings: 94

"The 2022 Langoa Barton has a wonderful bouquet that has really blossomed since I tasted it from barrel. There is still a trait of Margaux thanks to its wilted violet element, but there may be more graphite and tobacco tones now the wine is in bottle. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-boned tannins and a precise, sensual finish. It's fresh and definitely a more elegant Langoa compared to recent vintages. Bon vin." - Neal Martin, Vinous, (02/12/2025), Ratings: 94