Château Lagrange 2023

Cool, mineral, red-fruited character; lively on the palate, with a dancing lightness, delicate, finely structured, red-fruited, with very good length. A wine that could be overlooked because of its finesse.

The 2023 Lagrange has turned out very well in bottle, opening in the glass with notes of cherries, mulberries and violets, framed by nicely integrated new oak. Medium- to full-bodied, rich and layered, with a charming core of fruit, powdery tannins and lively acids, this is a strong effort from this Saint-Julien property.

Another great vintage from Lagrange. Strongly scented, lots of Cabernet markers, liquorice, toast, cedar, tobacco, some dark chocolate and dark bramble fruit – blackcurrants and blueberries – with perfumed accents too. Smooth and supple, almost velvety on the palate, this has a thickness of fine tannins, and plump fruit with great juiciness. A touch of bitterness on the finish – some iodine notes, oyster shell salinity and some oak toast. I like the plump, almost fleshy aspect, balancing the acidity with a hint of sweetness.

Black cherries, black currants, flowers, and mint blend perfectly in the nose, and on the medium-bodied, fresh, energetic, bright, chewy palate. Give this a few years in the bottle, and it is going to be a very good wine to drink over the next few decades. Starting with the 2016 vintage, Lagrange has been on a hot streak! The wine is produced from 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 16% Merlot. Drink from 2029-2055. 91-93 Pts.

Deep dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, delicate edge brightening. Shy bouquet, delicate notes of ripe plum, candied orange zest and herbs. Juicy, ripe cherry, mineral textures, ripe tannins, fresh structure, red forest berries on the finish, delicate sweetness in the aftertaste, offers uncomplicated drinking pleasure.

84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 42% Grand Vin. A finely etched red-berried bouquet with raspberry pulp, light tobacco, dark graphite and blackcurrant nectar. On the palate, linear and tightly focused with vibrant energy, remaining remarkably dense and deep, with a tightly knit body. The long, concentrated finish shows fresh morello cherry juice, heather and fine-grained astringency.

This is very much in the character of Lagrange over the past few years, showing precision and confidence in its construction, finessed and elegant, with St Julien balance and reserved power. Will absolutely deliver for fans of classical Left Bank Bordeaux with its slate-like tannins, savoury Cabernet black and blue fruits, fresh leaf tea, tobacco, raspberry leaf, spiced sage and a luscious, mouthwatering finish. Yield of 51 hl/ha.

Score: 90–92. A delicate, slightly shy nose of red and black fruits and a hint of coffee bean. The palate is sumptuous and generous, more defined by the juiciness of the fruit, but the tannins take the lead. The finish remains mouthwatering.

A lightly spicy wine with ripe black fruits and gentle tannins, this is attractive and perfumed. Its berry aroma and toasty edge from some wood aging are balanced with the wine's juicy fruits. Drink from 2027.

This is stylish, offering a pretty cascade of boysenberry and blackberry puree that glides through, with a silky structure, though a graphite underpinning is buried. Anise, black tea and a flash of cast iron emerge through the focused finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2027 through 2040. 20,000 cases made, 1,500 cases imported.