2020, Château Lagrange, SAINT-JULIEN 3ème Grand Cru Classe

Bordeaux Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot.

The 2020 Lagrange is fabulous, just as it was from barrel. Super-ripe dark cherry, plum, mocha, liquorice, cedar and new leather are all amplified in this gorgeous, striking Saint-Julien. Soft and racy, with no hard edges and exceptional balance, Lagrange is a winner. 94 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.

The 2020 Lagrange is the smallest production ever since each vine bestowed 4.2 bunches instead of 7 bunches per vines, plus the berries were small, ergo yield was just 26hL/ha. That's less than 2017 when they suffered frost! This year represents 38% of the crop. It has a delightful, precise bouquet, delineated with minerally black fruit, touches of sous-bois and a subtle marine/oyster shell influence. The palate is detailed and mineral-driven, very pure and harmonious, a mélange of red and black fruit, silky smooth with impressive depth. This is a quintessential Lagrange, very seductive and I bet it will be under-estimated by some people. Not me. 94 Neal Martin, Vinous.

A perky, bright and enjoyable Lagrange, showing some angularity and austerity to the tannins but at the same time it is bright with clarity of direction, firm and concentrated fruits and juicy on the finish. A little subdued, but this is a quality Lagrange with extremely carefully placed fine tannins and fruit - it shows the essence of St-Julien balance, and one that will not need the full 10 years to come around. 50% less volume than usual. Tasted twice. 93 Jane Anson, Decanter.

Aromatically very expressive on the nose, Perfumed with ripe fruits and floral characters. Supple and juicy, a lovely life-force and bounce. Tannins are plush yet plump giving a roundness to the expression letting the bright red fruits shine and acidity keep everything lifted. Has a joyous quality, so easy to like this - refreshing and enjoyable. The texture and weight is great, lovely medicinal edges as well as some salinity with cooling minty touches and a long finish. Really well worked, not pushed and delivered with poise. It's lightly framed in terms of texture, more layered vertically than wide, giving an aerial freshness throughout. 94 Georgina Hindle, Decanter. 

The 2020 Lagrange is a fine follow-up to the excellent 2019. Offering up aromas of crème de cassis and plums mingled with hints of violets, liquorice, pencil shavings and vanilla pod, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and layered, with a deep core of ripe but vibrant fruit that's framed by powdery tannins that assert themselves with gentle grip on the finish. 95 William Kelley, Wine Advocate.

Deep purple-black in colour, the 2020 Lagrange leaps from the glass with vibrant notes of redcurrant jelly, ripe blackcurrants and minted blackberries, followed by nuances of dark chocolate, star anise and mossy tree bark. The medium-bodied palate is both super intense and super elegant, featuring exquisitely ripe, fine-grained tannins and seamless freshness to frame the bright, crunchy black and red fruits, finishing long and mineral laced. 94-96 Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate.

Drinking Window: 2026 - 2045