Château Lagrange 2024

Slightly restrained on the nose, needs time in the glass, yet develops nicely; red-fruited, elegant entry on the palate, the tannins don’t overwhelm, the acidity feels harmonious, not particularly dense but with very good balance, finishing on blood orange. The vintage is played beautifully.

Dark chocolate, soft herbal elements, blackcurrant leaf, pink flower scents and also some red berries. Expressive and open. Juicy, clean, structured and wide with fine tannins but also has spice and tension. A little austere, in the cooling minerality — graphite and slate. Feels finessed, it’s delicately presented, certainly not chewy or fleshy, more elegant and charming. Not the longest, but there’s excellent detail and precision. Well made. Tasted three times and the sample at the estate was by far the best. 3.51 pH. 45% of production.

Bright, chewy, and crisp, the fruits are vibrant, with sharpness and definition, finishing with a juicy endnote of black and red currants. Starting with the 2016 vintage, Lagrange has been on a hot streak! The wine is produced from 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and 6% Petit Verdot. 13% ABV. Drink from 2029-2042. 91-93 pts

The nose is pleasantly fruity, offering a certain concentration of fruit, a touch of creaminess, and indulgence. It reveals notes of crushed strawberry, creamy red berries and, more subtly, violet, combined with hints of cornflower, juicy black berries, fleshy plum, as well as fine touches of cornflower, Bourbon vanilla, a discreet floral note, and an almost subtle verbena edge. The palate is nicely handled, supple, juicy, precise, and offers minerality, a touch of freshness, and good definition. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of juicy/fresh cherry, pulpy/juicy purple plum and, more subtly, cornflower, combined with touches of pulpy raspberry, hints of nutmeg, toast, toasted almond, a hint of racy minerality, as well as a hint of fresh/juicy red berries and a hint of star anise. Good length. The tannins are precise and juicy/fresh. A very discreet iodized note in the background.

Classically balanced St Julien, firm cassis and white peppers, enjoyable mid palate texture, slate textured tannins add grip and tension, successful in the vintage.

Deep, intense colour. The nose is moderately expressive, with ripe fruit, becoming more floral (violet) as it opens in the glass. Fleshy on entry, savoury through the mid-palate with plenty of flavour, the wine builds delicately on the finish, sappy and aromatic. This is very good and well supported by 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, a second record after 2022 (86%). Blend: 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot. Alcohol: 12.93% - pH: 3.51. Yield: 26 hl/ha.