Chateau Langoa Barton 2003, Saint-Julien, Double Magnum

Three litres of 2003 Langoa Barton, twenty three years old. The capsule is slightly split, which is why it is this price and not a great deal more. With regard to the "slightly split capsule" i have an email from Madame Lilian Sartorius Barton after reaching out to her which I am very happy to share with any interested party re the condition of this wine and her view that everything should be satisfactory. 1722 - Thomas Barton left his native Ireland to settle in Bordeaux, founding few years later a wine merchant company - that still bears the name Barton today. 1821 - His grandson, Hugh Barton, purchased Château Langoa, an elegant residence built in 1758. He was seduced by the architecture and its 20 hectares of vines planted in the Saint-Julien appellation. His passion and pride in his wine were only to grow when he saw Langoa awarded the rank of "Third Classified Growth" in the historic 1855 classification. 6 generations later, the Barton story continues with Anthony's daughter, Lilian, and her two children, now writing the chapter of the 10th generation in Bordeaux. The plots that compose the Château Langoa Barton terroir overlook the river. The splendid slopes of quaternary gravel bring the grapes to full maturity and then they undergo a rigorous selection process before being chosen for the Langoa Barton. The ploughing is traditional, without weeding or herbicide. The grape varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon 57%, Merlot 34% and Cabernet Franc 9%.

Tasting This vintage is a picture of generosity, a portrait of sensual delight, of silky serenity. The nose tingles with aromatic herbs: wild thyme and Summer savory along with a touch of graphite. The palate, with its deep, lingering flavours, is an accumulation of strength. Then the well-tamed tannins finish tenderly, caressed by the velvet touch of the almost imperceptible oak. Critics scores; Wine Spectator 92-94, Decanter 15.5, Robert Parker 91, James Suckling 95 & Jane Anson 91 Assemblage; 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot & 2% Cabernet Franc