Château Lagrange 2022

Silky and enticing, with gently mulled raspberry and boysenberry fruit that glides through, flecked with anise, red tea and sandalwood notes. Ready to go. Drink now through 2035. 2,300 cases made, 200 cases imported.

Structured and so appealing on the palate, this has a rich texture but doesn’t come across as too much. Filling yet lifted, giving freshness and ripe fruit. I love the delicacy of the tannins; this is finessed with so much detail on show. It feels cool and calm, not shouting, everything in harmony and delivering a truly classically styled wine. The power is there for sure, but it has poise too. A lovely Lagrange.

This shows aromas of blackberries and raspberries with hints of dried orange peel and chocolate. Some spices, too. Medium-bodied, polished and smooth with a juicy character. Flavorful, polished finish. Drink or hold.

These guys have been on a hot streak, and their 2022 shows why. The showy nose, with its cigar box, mint, black cherries, and flowers, opens the wine. Full-bodied, fresh, and vibrant, with a juicy, fruity, long, elegant, deep finish that seals the deal. The wine blends 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot. Drink from 2028–2055.

Deep garnet, purple reflections. Somewhat shy bouquet, dark cherries, hints of blackberries, a touch of orange zest. Juicy, fruit-driven texture, ripe plums, hints of fig, freshly structured, mineral and citrus on the finish, already very accessible.

Introverted bouquet, red berry contours, delicate eucalyptus hint, rosewood and heather. On the elegant Palate with soft texture, fine crumbly extract, nervy character and sinewy body. In the concentrated finish, the Pomerol crystallises with juniper and graphite, rounded out.

Continuing a run of exceptional vintages where everything seems to be going right at this property. High Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, and it comes across in the sleek black fruits and peony character, very floral and finessed. Good stuff, this is impressive, enjoyable, very St Julien and very good. 50% new oak for ageing, Eric Boissenot consultant, Mathieu Bordes director since 2013.

An opulent, inviting bouquet of ripe red fruits such as plum, pomegranate, and strawberry. Generous, juicy, and vibrant on the palate, with a savory finish.

The bouquet of Lagrange unfolds with subtlety and elegance. It is harmonious, precise and deep. No element dominates, except for an overarching sense of finesse. Delicate hints of fresh wood precede aromas of blueberries, a touch of graphite, menthol notes and then a hint of licorice. The silky attack leads into a linear, velvety, elegant and deep wine. Its tannins emerge late and display their power with tact and precision. They provide valuable support and promise excellent ageing potential, without precluding the pleasure of enjoying the wine in its youth. A great success.

Logo on the cork: DF Deep, intense colour, vivid purple. Very aromatic nose, with fresh, ripe fruit perfectly balanced by the oak. Full on the attack, delicately textured on the mid-palate, the wine glides and develops with density, poise and depth towards a long, sap-like finish. Superb!