The first vintage vinified in the Barton family`s new winery, the 2021 Langoa Barton is immensely promising, offering up aromas of cassis, cigar wrapper, loamy soil and black truffle, followed by a medium to full-bodied, velvety and seamless palate that`s deep and complete, its vibrant core of fruit framed by ripe tannins and lively acids. It`s a blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Tasted three times. 92-94 points

The 2021 Langoa Barton is an attractive, mid-weight Saint-Julien that should drink nicely with minimal cellaring. Red fruit, cedar, spice, tobacco and rose petal lend lovely vibrancy throughout. Brightness and energy drive the balance in this understated, classy Saint-Julien from the Barton family. 90-92 points

The 2021 Langoa Barton comes in a specially designed, one-off, hand-drawn label and a sustainable cardboard box instead of wood, to celebrate the bicentenary of family ownership. The aromatics have actually moved up a step since I tasted it from barrel: intense blackberry and wild strawberry fruit, crushed violet and just a hint of eucalyptus. The oak is neatly integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with surprisingly plush black fruit, a suave and harmonious Langoa with a dash of spice toward the finish. This is packed full of flavor and will be difficult to resist in its youth. 93 points