Chateau Langoa Barton 2018 (1x75cl)

This is the younger one. 2018 is still early days for a Saint-Julien like this, so the structure is more obvious and the fruit is more upfront - which makes it a bottle to buy now and forget about for a while rather than open tonight.

If you do want it soon, decant it properly and give it two hours plus something rich to eat. Otherwise lay it down; wines from this commune usually reward a few more years of quiet. Also a tidy gift for someone who actually keeps a cellar for wine.

Tasting notes

Young Saint-Julien is typically Cabernet Sauvignon led with Merlot, usually showing bright cassis and dark plum, cedar and a graphite edge, with tannins that are firm and still tightly knit. Time in bottle generally softens that grip and brings out more savoury notes.