“What a gorgeous and utterly seductive Saint-Julien…” – Vinous

Everybody knows and loves Château Léoville Barton. But Langoa Barton, right across the road? SO under the radar for how equally good their wines and vines are! TRIPLE 94 points, and perfectly aged, it’s primed for enjoyment right now.

First of all, they are under the same ownership. Fun fact - the wines of Léoville are made at Langoa. In fact, Langoa was the “first crush” of the Barton family, acquired in 1821, over two centuries ago!

Shortly thereafter came the 1855 classification separating their “status” as 2nd and 3rd growth, a nuance that has long been more than compensated for. After all, as Decenter says, “no other 1855 Château has been in the hands of one family for so many years.”

The bigger difference lies in the terroir, with vineyards of each leading to a firmer style for Léoville and a softer style for Langoa. That’s the gist of the matter: one is not necessarily “better” than the other, depending on the vintage, they each have their strong years, and that becomes clearer with bottle age. Both properties truly excel; that is the common denominator.

Which is what the Wine Advocate “stands shoulder to shoulder with its ‘big bro’” statement is all about with this 2009 vintage example.

In fact, from an epic vintage such as 2009, what you’re looking at may as well be THE best value right now for a Left Bank wine out there. At the cost of a night out at the movies, you get a well-cellared claret that will elevate a night at home with those marinated hangar steaks to unimaginable heights.

As if the triple 94-point impressions are not enough, you will be hard-pressed to find a better deal from Saint Julien’s outstanding 2009 harvest out there, if not from the entire Bordeaux region.

Sadly, there were only 20 library cases we could extract. If there were 200, we would not hesitate.

94 Points – Wine Advocate “This is a superb performance from Langoa Barton. The 2009 has a lifted, perfumed, Burgundy-inspired bouquet that’s nicely defined but showing a little more unresolved oak than its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit on the entry: strawberry, cedar, and blackcurrant. This is strict and very linear, conservative but compelling. The class is here from start to finish and presently stands shoulder to shoulder with its ‘big bro.’ Drink 2017-2042.”

94 Points – Vinous “The 2009 Langoa Barton has a gorgeous bouquet with blackberry, bilberry, cedar and light tobacco aromas that blossom from the glass. This feels so composed and pure. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, ne-grain tannin, beautifully judged acidity, and a svelte, languorous finish that fans out with style. What a gorgeous and utterly seductive Saint-Julien… a wine that I have rated very highly in the past. Drink 2022-2045.”

94 Points – Inside Bordeaux “Tar, cloves, girolle mushrooms, with intense black fruits that are met by fresher red fruits, ensuring neither is too overpowering. This is a great vintage at Langoa, has the intensity that will please the crowds but the delicacy and St Julien finesse that makes it true to itself. First year for technical director François Brehant. 70% new oak.”