2017 - Langoa Barton, Saint-Julien

The 2017 Langoa Barton is medium to deep garnet-purple colored and features wonderfully pure scents of crushed blackcurrants, wild blueberries and black raspberries plus wafts of underbrush, dark chocolate and violets. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is laden with seductive black and blue fruits, framed by grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and perfumed.

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.

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.

Tasted blind. Deep ruby purple colour. Exotic baking spices on the nose together with brambly fruit. This fleshy richness continues on the palate. There is some restraint offered by grippy tannins but the fruit and plush oak come together to offer a very generous style. Good power without excess. (TP)