Château La Lagune 2020

Initially quite closed, then discreet oak-driven spice; noticeable minerality right from the start, a sinewy structure, first-class tannins, great breed and length; as already en primeur, of the very highest class.

This comes in strong with both grip and attitude. Some austerity shows through in the abundant tannic frame, but there is a juiciness running across the palate, a sense that it is light on its feet. Liquorice, dark chocolate and a spiced tomato leaf add layers, but things close down on the finish. This is certified organic and in biodynamic conversion. A yield of 30 hl/ha.

A focused and savory red with sleek, tight tannins. Very precise. Medium-bodied, with fresh herbs, currants, blackberries and oyster shells. Stones and dried flowers, too. Fine finish. Tannins are round and complete. Already approachable. From biodynamically grown grapes. Better after 2025.

Tasted blind. Darkest crimson. Lightly cedary and intense black fruit on the nose. Big, smooth tannins, with juicy fruit at the core. Powerful, oaky on the mid palate and with everything in place to age well. (JH)

The 2020 La Lagune is terrific. Rich, bold and explosive in the glass, the 2020 offers up a wild array of aromas and flavors. Spice, dried red cherry, cedar, tobacco and white pepper abound. More than anything, I very much admire the vibrancy and overall energy here. A whole range of floral and savory accents punctuate the finish.

Showing a serious depth of color, the wine is filled with floral aromas, espresso, leaves and spicy red fruit aromas. Medium-bodied, elegant, fresh and refined, texturally the wine feels like spun silk. There is good length and purity here. I am really liking the spicy freshness and savor character in the lingering finish. 92-94 Pts

Dark ruby garnet, purple reflections, opaque core, delicate rim brightening. Ripe plums, black cherries, some nougat and figs, fine herbal savouriness. Juicy, fresh red cherries, lively, mineral style, round tannins, long-lasting, a balanced food wine with some ageing potential.

Floral and elegant, red fruit, cassis, fine spiciness and modest oak. Silky and rounded, yet dense and vigorous palate, rather Burgundian texture with fine layers, elegant with gorgeous fruit and a long lingering finish, great potential.

Smoky black fruits, tobacco, gravelly earth, and spicy oak all emerge from the 2020 Château La Lagune, one of the most concentrated, structured Haut-Médocs out there. Medium-bodied on the palate, it has terrific overall balance, building tannins, and a great finish. It needs to be forgotten for 4-5 years and will evolve for two decades or more if well-stored.

Kunz barrel sample 2021: silky, elegant, fresh bouquet, cherries, currants, noble woods, delicate roasted notes. Fine-boned, fresh palate with fine tannins, fresh fruit, elegant structure, long, fresh finish.

Silky, elegant, fresh bouquet with cherries, redcurrants, fine woods, subtle roasted notes. Delicate, fresh palate with fine tannins, fresh fruit, elegant structure, long, fresh finish. 17/20 2026 - 2040

This is excellent, one of the best La Lagune in years, with the serious tannins of the vintage, underpinned by liquorice, cassis and juicy bilberry, tomato leaf and pomegranate. Fresh acidity, liquorice root and bitter fennel add bite and interest. Great stuff. Organic certified, in biodynamic conversion.

93-94

The vintage delivers, in 2020, an elegant wine with supple texture and good depth. It shows lovely length, with silky tannins and a lingering finish on fruity flavors. It should be perfect in about ten years.

Elegant aromas of almost black plum and Damask rose dance in the glass. On the palate, remarkable freshness and a beautiful cashmere-like texture. A complete wine, flawless.

Subtle and complex, La Lagune reveals itself with filigree finesse. The precise nose suggests a well-structured wine. Rather slender, it benefits from a fine-grained tannic structure that emerges late, and from refreshing acidity—a welcome asset in the warm context of 2020. La Lagune is highly accomplished, and its ability to display such power with so much delicacy deserves praise! A great success.

A very beautiful deep red with black highlights. A highly aromatic, refined, fruity and pure nose, with lovely Petit Verdot character. Supple on entry, aromatic through the mid-palate, with a rich, smooth texture and plenty of body—the wine caresses the palate. It finishes long, with a precise tannic frame and a lovely black-fruit flavor. It should be decanted to let it open up a little. Built for long ageing.

Nose of blackcurrant with a hint of lilac: the wine leans more toward finesse than power. Built around a biting acidic backbone, the minimalist palate doesn't rely on heft but on a supple texture, a rather floral aromatics (elderflower, violet), and finely etched tannins.

93–95. Barrel Sample. A generous, richly textured wine, this has density as well as layers of black currant fruits. Its power does not detract from its style and swagger—a wine that will develop well. Organic.