2017 - Langoa Barton, Saint-Julien

The 2017 Langoa Barton is so beautiful, just as it was en primeur. Rich, fleshy and seductive in the glass, the 2017 exudes charm from the very first taste. Succulent red cherry, red plum, mint, tobacco and blood orange all flesh out in this wonderfully inviting, alluring Saint-Julien from the Barton family.

The 2017 Langoa Barton has a medium to deep garnet-purple color. It sashays out with scents of fragrant black cherries and redcurrant jelly, followed by cassis, tilled soil, bay leaves, and hints of fallen leaves. Light to medium-bodied, the palate is bright and energetic, featuring grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and savory.

As is often the case with 2017 St Julien, you find sculpted fruit with precision and spice that will be ready just a little earlier than the vintages on either side of it - think four or five years from now ito fully soften out the tannins. Plenty of depth of flavour, finessed raspberry fruits with rose stems, liqourice, cocoa bean, smoked earth. Austere but enjoyable, and reflective of the fact that St Julien was lucky in this vintage because it was far less impacted by frost than many other parts of Bordeaux. 70% new oak. Technical director François Brehant, consultant Eric Boissenot.