The 2001 Langoa-Barton has a rich bouquet for the vintage. It lacks a bit of purity compared to previous bottles, with earthy and mushroom secondary scents coming through. The palate is sensual and quite plush, soft tannins framing the black cherries, allspice, cedar and mint notes that blossom in the glass. Fully matured and yet showing the substance and freshness to support another 15–20 years of aging, this delicious Langoa is as good as the Léoville-Barton. Utterly divine.

Tobacco, spice box, cedar, and black currants offer a perfumed, complex introduction to this structured, beefy, muscular St.-Julien. As usual, a battle between the fruit and structure is being waged in this 2001, which appears to be a bit broader and more charming than most young Langoa Bartons. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016.