Château La Lagune 1996

This is a tannic, austere 1996, but it is well-endowed. Copious aromas of spicy new oak are present in the moderately intense bouquet, as well as cherry notes intertwined with dried herbs. The wine is medium-bodied and well-made, with good spice, a slight austerity, and moderate tannin in the long finish. In many vintages La Lagune can be drunk at an early age, but this effort will require 5-6 years of patience. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2018.

Pretty aromas of berry and vanilla, with a hint of mineral. Medium-bodied, with chewy tannins but a slight herbal edge to the aftertaste. A bit one-dimensional for La Lagune, but still a good bottle. Best after 2000. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 25,000 cases made.

Mid crimson. Slightly weak rim. Fully evolved, not desperately layered nose. Rather dry tannins on the finish. As ready as it will ever be probably as the fruit is not especially intense. (JR)

The 1996 La Lagune has an austere and earthy bouquet that makes you long for more fruit, although it offers a little more definition than the 1995 La Lagune. The palate is medium-bodied with light, grainy tannins. Sure, there is a bit more body than the 1995, but it remains very linear and correct, lacking the complexity of modern vintages. It needs something interesting to say. Tasted at the La Lagune vertical at the château.

97: Brightening garnet, watery rim. Spicy bouquet, fine woods, with a floral note. On the palate medium-weight, focused on elegance, sour cherries and a pleasant sweetness from the extract, nicely long, but not sufficiently concentrated in terms of stature. 16/20 2002–2017

Airy bouquet with red berries. Hard, dry taste with lots of tannins. Long finish. 15/20

It shows a classic profile, dominated by its Cabernets, with a palate that is a little rigid, but with a lovely core and good structure. Fine straightness.

The bouquet is quite classic, with notes of undergrowth and raspberries followed by vetiver. It’s clear that elegance was the aim for this wine, especially in the lively, appetizing attack. However, it no longer has much flesh. The muscle is there, but the wine suffers from it, particularly in terms of balance.