2012 Château Langoa Barton, St Julien, Bordeaux

Cabernet Sauvignon is 70% of the blend, with 22% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc, all of which will be aged in 60% new barrels.

Ch. Langoa Barton impresses in 2012. The character of its Cabernet Sauvignon is vivid and expressive, created from low yields by nature’s vicissitudes during the growing season and supported by a rigorously enforced selection process, which removed any fruit deemed even possibly unripe. The wine presents with a remarkably juicy initial expression of cassis and the palate remains fruit-driven. Any thoughts that Langoa might tend towards rusticity in this vintage should be dismissed although the wine should be considered for earlier drinking after five or so years.

Mark Pardoe MW, Wine Director, Berry Bros. & Rudd