Château Langoa Barton, 3ème Cru Classé, St Julien,

The aromatics on display here stand out from the others in the lineup, reflecting the warmth of the vintage. Majoring on damson plum, touches of sour cherry, oyster shell and ripe fig fruits. The tannins give a slightly dry finish, but well balanced by sandalwood, clove, truffle and black pepper spice. There is still freshness here, underlining something I am finding in a number of 2003s right now from this corner of the Médoc. 50% new oak, Michel Raoul technical director, Eric Boissenot consultant.

Ruby-red. Exotic, full-blown aromas of coffee, leather and game, with distinct suggestions of roasted fruits. Fat, dense and lush, with a very sweet, chocolatey flavor and a suggestion of roasted nuts. A big wine with big, ripe tannins. I like what the heat of the vintage has done for this property. But this wine may be in the process of closing down in the bottle.