2010 Langoa Barton

The 2010 Langoa-Barton has a very serious complex and involving bouquet with blackberry, cedar, sage and light sous-bois aromas that are exquisitely defined. The oak here is seamlessly integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with supple rounded tannins that frame its payload of black fruit laced with white pepper and cedar. It fans out brilliantly towards the finish. It is so velvety in texture that you could almost broach this now, but its substance and weight suggests that it deserves another few years in the cellar.

Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Langoa Barton springs from the glass with notes of kirsch, black cherry compote and blueberry pie with touches of dried mint, pencil lead, tar and new leather. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a rock-solid frame of ripe, grainy tannins and loads of freshness supporting the dense, muscular black and blue fruits, finishing with a minty kick.

Tasted blind. Deep garnet. Fruit still to the fore, black fruit. But with air a bit meaty? Dry, dense, very firm. Not sure if this is going to blossom or dry out so I am giving it the benefit of the doubt. (JH)