This is my first taste of this Château and at a very young stage of its development. Indeed, the 2008 Bordeaux’ just came into stores with the so-called “arrivage” during springtime of this year. Langoa-Barton is the sister-estate of Léoville-Barton which represents certainly the more glamorous name of the 2 and both are logically owned by the Barton family.
2008 was a mixed vintage with a cool summer but luckily a golden September and October which saved many estates. Certainly a vintage for cherry pickers who also profited of lower prices after the world was hit by an economic crisis.
But back to the wine. I popped the cork and left the bottle open for nearly 2 days. It opened up slightly but didn’t lose an edge of its young posture. A good indication that the wine has enough structure to last and of course the right base to perform well on the palate.
The nose is kind of exotic, with coconut, a little cocoa, some would say maybe a hint of glue, and little fruit only. Is this a modern Bordeaux nose with an inclination towards California? I’d rather say no since the fruit is retained and the exotic oak touch might fade with time..
On the palate it is of rather medium weight. I wouldn’t say that the wine appears thin but I’m sure some might have that impression. Here the fruit is more obvious than in the nose with a mix of black and red berries. Then there is a good tannic structure of medium graining that needs a few years to melt in. Finish is fine.
This is Bordeaux with drinkability factor, of medium weight but still with good concentration. I’m not entirely sure, but this isn’t exclusively made for long haul aging. Give it 2 to 3 years and you can already drink it with great satisfaction! If you like your tannins, this is already fine now, but the nose could certainly be a bit more expressive. 88-89+ (it is certainly going to pass the 90 points in a few years)
