1985 Langoa Barton

The 1985 Langoa Barton is a vintage that I had never tasted before, but I was hugely impressed at the performance of this oft-underrated Saint Julien after 31 years, and it out-performed the 1985 Domaine de Chevalier. Dark in color, it has a surprisingly youthful and vigorous bouquet, with blackberry, briar, chestnut and fennel. It feels mature, but there is so much energy and brio here. The palate is very well balanced, with crisp black and red fruit laced with black truffle, which merges with heightened wild strawberry notes tinged with dried blood. This is quite a stocky Langoa Barton but not rustic in any way, with ample depth and grip on the finish. What a superb wine—one that shoots above my expectations. Tasted May 2017.