Lagrange St Julien

2005

Vinous 93: The 2005 Lagrange was picked from 21 September until 10 October. It has a harmonious and vigorous bouquet with blackberry, cedar, tobacco aromas and just a light estuarine scent that emerges with time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannins and much more mid-palate presence than prior vintages. There is more body and grip, a sense of boldness towards the finish that should stand it in good stead for long-term ageing. Superb. Tasted at the Lagrange vertical at the estate.

2020

Wine Advocate 95: 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, licorice, 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.

James Suckling 94: Attractive nose of blackberries, blackcurrants, walnuts, ink and kaffir leaves. It’s medium- to full-bodied, firm and structured, with chewy and tight tannins. Dark and intense, with a long and persistent finish. Turns to graphite and cedar. Needs time to open and soften. Try from 2026.

Vinous 94: The 2020 Lagrange is fabulous just as it was from barrel. Super-ripe dark cherry plum mocha licorice 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. - By Antonio Galloni on December 2022 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.

Decanter 94: Aromatically very expressive on the nose. Perfumed with ripe fruits and floral characters. Supple and juicy, a lovely lifeforce 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.

2023

Wine Advocate 93-95: A blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Merlot, the 2023 Lagrange offers up aromas of dark berries, plums and cherries mingled with hints of pencil shavings and violets. Medium to full-bodied, layered and fleshy, with good depth, supple tannins and a suave, vibrant profile, it's attractively seamless and complete.

James Suckling 94-95: This is tight but has creamy, round tannins and a juicy character. Blackberries, chocolate and spices on the medium-bodied palate. Chewy and polished.