1995 Langoa Barton

Unusually blackish crimson. Tasted two bottles and neither seemed quite right. Lots of dried fruit on the nose, then a lack of fruit concentration on the middle and some very drying tannins on the end. (JR)

Lots of alcohol. Sweet and rich and inky. Rather appealing and full. Very full and voluptuous and charming. Very open compared to most. Seductive and – just – manages to be refreshing enough. (JR)

The 1995 Langoa-Barton has been perplexing to evaluate. It is woody, monolithic, and exceptionally tannic without the fruit and flesh necessary to provide equilibrium. There are some positive components - a saturated dark ruby/purple color, hints of ripe fruit, and pure, clean flavors - but the wine's angularity/austerity is troublesome. It will probably be a good, but old style claret that will never resolve all of its tannic bite. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2016.