Updated: Jul 7, 2023
Deep ruby with a medium garnet rim, the first nose gives Sweet Prune and cocoa fruit with various secondary nuances- tones of Old leather, tobacco, herbs, graphite, liquorice, coffee and chocolates in balance. Then the red-fruited palate with minerality leads to a dry finish. Medium bodied. Many consider this an insider's wine from Pessac Leognan- maybe too stonier style to the general consumer and non-connaisseur.
QUite some agents in hong Kong worked hard on this wine before.
Scores are reasonably high. The highest is a WA95 by NM. In the 92-93 range, James Suckling, Wine Enthusiast, Wine Spectator, Vinous. The lowest is a 90 by Lisa Perrotti-Brown, who commented that it is a bit dry on the finish.
Updated: Jul 22, 2023
Deep ruby, tight garnet rim. Dry fruited on the nose, Chateau Lagrange 2003 gives a brooding palate: the blackberry and pu erh tea aroma and flavours of the 2003 Lagrange left the Team with a significant impression. If you are looking for bright fruit, this differs from the wine for you. Deep rubied with a tight rim, 2008 has a core of ripe, generous black fruit from the riper merlot with integrated tannins; this is a well-made, impressive wine and showed Chateau Lagrange’s capabilities in an otherwise average vintage(almost like frozen and limited fruit). Deep rubied with a tight pink rim, 2012 has a fruity style, with the right balance of tension(structure) and elegance(poise, finesse). Oak treatment wears 2012 with a delicate and gentle touch- pure fruit, lightish touch. Fruity to start, very enjoyable and friendly to finish. Clean, medium finish.2017 is the latest tasting we did. Deep ruby with a tight rim. Floral. Balanced and stylish, this elegant vintage conveys the sleek side of Saint-Julien. A first nose of ripe and fresh cherries followed by a secondary tone of camphor, pepper and minerality. The wine has a fine concentrate, structure and power, bringing out tannins to balance the blackberry fruits. Some complexities In the palate, 2017 expresses its classic fresh/ripe raspberry, cherry, and cassis associated with delicate touches of blackberry as well as fine hints of nutmeg, sweet spices, coffee bean, chocolate and liquorice. Fine and ample tannins. REsaonble long length with good scores, for example, WE 94 VT94.
The Lagrange style is almost unmistakable, with, for this vintage, a sleek and saline touch that gives excellent value. Surely a wine to keep for some years. Sscores are impressive, JS96, for example. This neat and clean style, endowed by Emile Peynaud, Marcel Ducasse and Bruno Eynard, stands Lagrange out from other wines from the same St. Julien Appellation, including Talbot, Beychevelle, St Pierre, Gloria, etc.
Deep ruby; tight garnet rim. Like the terroir, the wine is classic in its deep ruby colour and elegant bouquet, combining mixed black fruit, sweet spices and pepper. Solid and tastes harmonious with seven years of bottle ageing—medium finish, delicate palate, stuffed, structured. Excellent value. No degradation in quality; even more complexities. A balanced blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (47%) and Merlot, with a slight addition of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
Scores are consistent.
91 points, James Suckling. Aromas of currants and berries with hints of chocolate. Full body with a solid core of fruit and a flavorful finish. Very fine. Cantermerle delivered in 2011. (2/2014). Edited.
91 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate An elegant, successful 2011, Cantemerle has produced a finesse-styled wine with a dense ruby/purple colour and copious notes of flowers, mulberries, raspberries and blueberries. With dramatic quality and purity, this medium-bodied effort possesses sweet tannins and a texture that builds incrementally. A lighter-styled but beautifully crafted, well-done 2011 can be enjoyed over the next 10-15 years. (RP) (4/2014) Edited.
