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Château Lagrange quietly occupies an enviable place in the Bordeaux firmament. The largest of all grand cru estates in the northern Médoc, year on year it produces one of the most consistent and rewarding wines not only within the commune of St Julien but the whole of Bordeaux.
The 118 hectares under vine are centred on two gently sloping vineyards to the west of the commune, affording the vines ideal southerly exposure. Cabernet Sauvignon dominates, with the balance made up of Merlot and a touch of Petit Verdot. The latter variety is only added to the grand vin as required, with the majority invariably going into the second wine: Les Fiefs de Lagrange. This strict selection ensures the very best fruit is retained for the grand vin. Significant investment in the estate in 2008 ensured quality was raised several notches higher again and it is abundantly evident in the 2010, undoubtedly one of the great Bordeaux vintages.
We tasted a bottle in the office yesterday and, appealing as it is now, it will undoubtedly benefit from a few years’ gentle slumber to fully reveal its undoubted quality.
*Available for immediate delivery or transfer into your Private Reserves account
Ch Lagrange 3ème Cru St Julien 2010
£495.00 per 12 IB
The wine’s deep ruby colour infers its still youthful character. Its intense perfume carries classic graphite and dense black fruit notes. The palate is powerful, with a full, robust body and a deep cassis core. The Cabernet fruit is still tightly compact, with copious fine tannins and undulating freshness. The weight of rich fruit is wrapped up with toasty spiced oak structure. The huge concentration, typical of the vintage, promises a long drinking window ahead for this rich, powerful claret. Drink 2020 – 2034. Goedhuis & Co
The Lagrange has a very refined, sophisticated bouquet with blackberry, bay leaf, cedar and sous-bois, all with fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with a fine grippy entry. There is a lot of citrus fruit here, lending the 2010 tension and poise. It remains linear and focused, saving something up for the future. Excellent. 93 points, Neal Martin
Loads of tension and form. It can be cellared for decades, but it’s balanced and beautiful already. Lots of blueberry, licorice and blackberry character. 96 points, James Suckling