Gordon's Wines - Waltham, MA
Tasted Wednesday, January 25, 2017 by RockinCabs with 534 views
Gordon's Wine & Spirits is working on expanding its Bordeaux program, and this was the first major event that they hosted with a Bordeaux producer in several years. Damien Barton agreed to make a side trip from the Union Des Grand Cru event in NY to have this event.
Unfortunately less than a week before the tasting FedEx "had to dispose" of 4 cases of Leoville Barton slated for this tasting, and the Gordons team and Damien went scrambling to put things back together. Instead of the largely younger vintages that they had promised, the lineup was changed to include the 86, 95 and 96. This was a special grouping for sure and gave a great impression of the chateau style.
Across the board these were great wines, but what was most striking to me was how classic the style has remained over time. Even more modern vintages like the 2005 retain good continuity with the older vintages.
We started with an intro to Mauvesin (new Barton property), and then dove into the Langoa Barton and Leoville Barton flights.
The 2001 and 2010 were close in quality to me, but the 2005 seemed overdone and very non-Bordeaux. Others like the 05 quite a bit, but it seemed out of place to me in this flight. If pressed I would have said it was a 2003.
The 2000 was the elegant powerhouse of the night. It combines the best of the 2005 with the best of the 1990. Elegance, power, polish and just enough tobacco to let you know it is Barton.
Right behind this was the 1996 which continues to be a favorite Barton of mine. Many years ahead on the 96.
Sadly the bottle of the 89 that we tasted was cooked. However the 90 and 86 were both excellent.
2010 Château Langoa Barton 91 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien
Nose: Black Cherry, Blackberry, Florals, Cocoa and a slight bramble/green note. Palate: Dark and slightly earthy, Black Cherry and sage. Shows more cabernet than either 01 or 05. Finish: Big pop of ripe blackberry, ripe tannin and some tarry barrel notes.
This is a really nice wine with elegant layers. Should develop nicely.
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2005 Château Langoa Barton 88 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien
Nose: Very showy sexy candied cherry, sweet oak and chocolate/brownie notes. I would never identify this as Bordeaux, much more Napa on the nose. Palate: Sweet Black Cherry and Plum. Lush fruit with Cola, Oak and Chocolate notes. Finish: Oak heavy, but good red berry and spice notes.
A bit confected wtih more of a napa personality to me.
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2001 Château Langoa Barton 91 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien
Nose: Sexy cherry, Tobacco, Vanilin, and bits if cedar and smoke. Palate: Approachable black cherry on entry with green pepper, spice and sweet oak notes. Finish: Very complete and detailed with tobacco, earth and more spice notes.
Most balanced and elegant of the Langoa's. Great for drinking now.
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