Chateau Lagrange 3eme Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 2023

A serious and impeccably made wine, the 2023 Château Lagrange is cut from the same cloth as the Les Fiefs yet has more of everything. Pure crème de cassis, graphite, spicy wood, and assorted floral nuances all shine on the nose, and it's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a layered, graceful mouthfeel and polished tannins. Based on 84% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Merlot and aged 21 months in 50% new barrels with the balance in second-fill oak, this is a classic, beautifully done Saint-Julien that will keep for 20-30 years. Tasted multiple times with consistent notes. Drink 2029-2056.

Another great vintage from Lagrange. Strongly scented, lots of Cabernet markers, liquorice, toast, cedar, tobacco, some dark chocolate and dark bramble fruit - blackcurrants and blueberries with perfumed accents too. Smooth and supple, almost velvety on the palate, this has a thickness of fine tannins, and plump fruit with a great juiciness. A touch of bitterness on the finish - some iodine notes, oyster shell salinity and some oak toast. I like the plump, almost fleshy aspect, balancing the acidity with a hint of sweetness.

This is very much in the character of Lagrange over the past few years, showing precision and confidence in its construction, finessed and elegant, with St Julien balance and reserved power. Will absolutely deliver for fans of classical Left Bank Bordeaux with its slate tannins, savoury Cabernet black and blue fruits, fresh leaf tea, tobacco, raspberry leaf, spiced sage and lusicous mouthwatering signoff. 51hl/ha yield.

The 2023 Lagrange is just as impressive as it was from barrel. Soaring aromatics meld into a core of brilliant red-toned fruit. This bright, sculpted Saint-Julien delivers on so many levels. In this tasting, it is exceptionally polished, vibrant and expressive.

The 2023 Lagrange has turned out very well in bottle, opening in the glass with notes of cherries, mulberries and violets, framed by nicely integrated new oak. Medium- to full-bodied, rich and layered, with a charming core of fruit, powdery tannins and lively acids, this is a strong effort from this Saint-Julien property.

The 2023 Lagrange is deep garnet-purple in color. Notes of red cherries, cassis, and blueberry jump from the glass, followed by hints of violets, graphite, and moss-covered tree bark with a touch of cloves. The medium-bodied palate is vibrant, with a lively line of acidity and ripe fine-grained tannins framing the delicate black and red fruit flavors, finishing with a savory lift. The blend is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Merlot, with pH 3.47.

The 2023 Lagrange was bottled at the end of June. It is understated on the nose, but it needs only two or three minutes before it reveals attractive blackberry, wild hedgerow, cedar wood and sous-bois scents. Very typical Saint-Julien style. The palate is well balanced with fine, chiselled tannins. Just the right amount of acidity keeps this on its toes, quite open and welcoming already, therefore I suspect that this will require only a couple of years in bottle before it's ready for action.