Château Lagrange 1994

In comparison to the more open-knit, flattering style of the 1993, the 1994 is a backward, less precocious, more tannic wine that needs another 5-7 years of cellaring. It is a wine that recalls the style of the more tannic vintages of the sixties and seventies. The healthy dark ruby/purple color is followed by copious quantities of smoky, toasty, new oak. There is an impression of ripe fruit, but, for now, the wine's personality remains dominated by excruciatingly strong tannin. Give this wine 5-6 years of cellaring, as patience is definitely a requirement for purchasing the 1994 Lagrange. It should last for 15-20 years.

Balanced and harmonious for the vintage with a cherry, plum and tobacco character, fine tannins and a fresh finish. Delicious now, but best in 1999. 25,000 cases made.

The 1994 Lagrange, a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 9% Petit Verdot, feels just a little "thin" on the nose compared to other Saint-Julien wines tasted from this vintage. The bouquet offers tobacco and cigar humidor scents, dusky black fruit and a hint of dark chocolate. The palate is medium-bodied with a pleasant fluidity on the entry. Good weight for the vintage, yet what is missing is complexity and tension. There is a static sense to this 1994 that I don't think you will find in other, more benevolent growing seasons. Still, after 30 years, it does give some pleasure. It's just not an exciting Lagrange. Tasted at the château.

Colour not much deeper than the 1993, medium garnet with still some ruby highlights. On the nose, rather slender, yet showing a fine, polished Cabernet aromatic profile with cherry notes; it opens slowly and is in the early stages of maturity. On the palate, nicely supple on the outside, with a supportive tannin-acid structure within; muscular, fairly classic, and can still gain.

95: Very deep color. Dense, concentrated bouquet; very berry-driven fruit with a sweet impression. On the palate, complex, already well-balanced, rich body, well-integrated oak. A terrific Pomerol. 17/20 2002 – 2010

A closed, fruity, deep bouquet with black berries and spicy tobacco notes. Fruity, still closed and dense on the palate, with good fruit and a tightly knit structure. Long, dense finish. Classic Bordeaux. 17/20 2006 - 2020

Logo on the cork: CB Having had to restructure its vineyard after buying the estate in 1983, Lagrange was 10 years ahead of many of its peers. A success that has been constantly confirmed. A fine wine with a slightly animal nose, a caressing palate, tannins that are certainly a bit pronounced, but with lovely flavours of fruit, ink and meat. Calls for food alongside it!