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.  

"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 first vintage produced in the estate's new winery, which more than doubled the number of vats, permitting sub-plot by sub-plot vinification, the brilliant 2022 Langoa Barton offers up aromas of dark berries, cassis, violets and cigar wrapper, followed by a medium to full-bodied, deep and fleshy palate endowed with terrific depth and tension. Polished and penetrating, it should match or even surpass the 2019 and 2016 vintages, and it is sure to be one of the more intelligent purchases of the en primeur campaign." - William Kelley, The Wine Advocate, (04/28/2023), Ratings: 93-95

"The Grand Vin 2022 Château Langoa Barton checks in as 56.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc that was raised in 60% new barrels. Medium-bodied and vibrant, with a fresher, elegant, yet still textured profile, it has pure black and blue fruits, some lead pencil, tobacco, and earthy nuances, fine tannins, and a great finish. This 2022 is all about finesse and elegance. Tasted twice with consistent notes." - Jeb Dunnuck, (05/10/2023), Ratings: 93-95

"A blend of 56.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, and 2.5% Cabernet Franc, the 2022 Langoa Barton is ageing in 60% new oak. Deep garnet-purple in color, it prances out with exuberant notes of warm cassis, blueberry pie, and Morello cherries, leading to hints of chocolate mint, clove oil, and tilled soil. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock full of juicy black fruits, framed by plush tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing with a spicy kick." - Lisa Perotti-Brown, The Wine Independent, (05/15/2023), Ratings: 92-94

"The 2022 Langoa Barton is vibrant and focused, as the best wines are in this vintage. Crushed raspberry, blood orange, mint, spice and rose petal are all beautifully delineated. There’s a purity to the 2022 that is impossible to miss. I admire its precision and lovely minerality. Langoa could turn out to be one of the Sleepers of 2022, especially among the more affordable wines of the Left Bank." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous, (05/17/2023), Ratings: 91-93, Drink: 2028-2042