2016 is a hugely successful vintage for Chateau Lagrange. Released this morning at £420 per 12 IB, this looks a smart buy.
Owned by Japanese spirits giant Suntory, Lagrange is the largest single vineyard among the classified estates of the Médoc with 118 hectares under vine. The precision and attention to detail applied in vineyard and cellar have reaped major rewards.
David Roberts MW describes the wine as a “benchmark Lagrange”, while Neal Martin awards the wine a whopping 94-96 points and comments:
“This is a great Lagrange, one that almost “zings” around the senses, barely able to contain the energy. A superior Lagrange to the 2015, this may well rank as the finest produced.”
This is a stand-out wine from one of the most consistently impressive appellations of 2016. Highly recommended.
Ch Lagrange 3ème Cru St Julien 2016
£420.00 per 12 bottles IB
£430.00 per 6 magnums IB
£505.00 per 3 double magnums IB
£170.00 per single double magnum IB
£246.00 per jeroboam IB (500cl)
The Cinderella of St Julien. So easily overlooked, but one of the most consistent and rewarding wines within the appellation. This is a benchmark Lagrange. Dense purple colour, it has masses of dark cassis fruit aromas and flavours. Deliciously direct, with a fine central tannic core so characteristic of the estate. Classical in every way, in the most positive sense of the word. Drink 2025-2038. 93-95 points, Goedhuis & Co
It has a very well defined bouquet with intense black cherry, red plum, touches of cedar and with continued aeration, a hint of blueberry. It certainly is one of the most expressive Lagrange that I have tasted (and I write that having tasted them all back to the early 1980s). The palate is extremely well balanced with tensile tannin, vibrant and animated with blackberry, crème de cassis, a hint of orange zest. This is a great Lagrange, one that almost “zings” around the senses, barely able to contain the energy. A superior Lagrange to the 2015, this may well rank as the finest produced. Drink Date 2025 – 2060. 94-96 points, Neal Martin.
Powerful red with a rich and tannic center palate. Full body, lots of depth and a long and chewy finish. Indeed, this shows potential. Much better than the 2015. 95-96 points, James Suckling
70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot. Château Lagrange is at 50% grand vin in 2016, which is its highest since the Suntory group became owners in 1983. They say that until now the percentage of Fiefs de Lagrange has always been higher, but in 2016 many plots planted in 1985 reached maturity. Together with the exceptional quality of the vintage and the intra-plot selection, this means more top quality wine destined for the grand vin. There is lovely concentration in this wine, with spicy pepper and cinnamon notes coming to the fore before the blackcurrant takes over on the mid-palate. 2016 was the longest harvest ever, according to technical director Matthieu Bordes, right through to 24th October. No doubt this is a fantastic Lagrange, to be savoured. 95 points, Jane Anson, Decanter