Château La Lagune 2023

Very delicately aromatic and fresh, expressive, lots of florality, clear dark fruit; silky on the palate, crisp fruit, supported by finely knit tannins—this has life, breed, and polish. An excellent La Lagune.

Dark nose, really quite vivid and vibrant, lots of blackberries and some herbal markers. Beautifully fragrant, smells so expressive and really ripe. Smooth and clean, a lovely crisp texture to this with super-fine tannins that coat the mouth in a soft chalkiness with really high menthol, herbal Cabernet markers. Although this has a tight core with a focused line from start to finish it’s not austere or too serious. Finessed and detailed, strawberries, cranberries and blackcurrants, a real mixture of ripe fruit and cool freshness. Very drinkable with delicate fruit and high acidity. This will age extremely well. No Petit Verdot in the blend this year. 18 months’ ageing, 50% new oak. pH 3.75. 1% press wine. Two-thirds grand vin production. A yield of 30–35 hl/ha.

Indian spice, flowers, smoke, red pit fruits, and a drop of espresso fill the complex nose. The medium-bodied palate is elegant, refined, and silky, with lift and sweetness to the red berries, finished by a touch of chocolate on the end note that rounds it out. Drink from 2027-2045. 92-94 pts.

Dark ruby colour, purple reflections, brightening on the rim. Fresh cherries, fine cassis, inviting wild berries, attractive bouquet. Juicy, elegant, ripe cherry fruit, fine fruitiness, round tannins, good freshness, remains persistent, mineral, with good prospects.

Charming red-berry bouquet, noble violet perfume, light tobacco, blackcurrant nectar and lilac. On the complex palate, with a soft texture, taut and straight, good reserves, a tightly knit tannic framework and a well-trained body. In the concentrated medium finish, black-berry contours, graphite, refined cassis spice and fine-grained astringency.

Concentrated spiced plum, billowing red and white roses fragrance, opening to a confident tannic architecture, and an expansive but controlled delivery of textured autumnal fruit. Rose stems and grippy tannins suggest full ripeness was challenging, but this has character and depth, and lift through the palate. Caroline Frey owner, 30hl/ha yields.

Score: 90–92. A slightly reserved, refined nose with aromas of blue fruits and forget-me-nots, enhanced by spicy notes (nutmeg, white pepper). Sumptuous and more immediate on the palate, with great intensity, featuring rich, thick tannins that make you want to lick the inside of your mouth.