La Lagune 2017

The 2017 La Lagune is powerful and dense, but also a bit rough around the edges. Tobacco, game, licorice, smoke and dried flowers along with big, coarse tannins give the 2017 its decidedly hearty feel. Even so, there is quite a bit of complexity and plenty of personality. The 2017 is not exactly finessed, but it has a lot going on. The 2017 needs time to come together, but it is promising, that is for sure. 2022 - 2037.

The 2017 La Lagune was picked from 12 September until 30 September at 31hl/ha, matured in 50% new oak. It has a very clean and pure bouquet, quite floral in style, with scents of raspberry confit, crushed stone, a touch of mint and pressed flowers. This is precise and focused, one of the most refined bouquet that I have encountered on a La Lagune at this early stage. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chalky tannin on the entry that presage a tensile, mineral-driven La Lagune. There is almost a flint-like element to this wine, like the nose, the palate extremely precise with a sustained Pauillac-inspired finish with pencil lead on the aftertaste. Drink 2022 - 2036.

Tasted blind. Deep ruby colour. Bay leaf, menthol and dry earth on the nose – certainly savoury though not green. The palate shows well, with plump and fresh red fruit in a compact but finely etched intensity. The tannins are chalky but fine and ripe, propping up the fruit rather than overwhelming it. This should make for an enjoyable, classic drink in the medium term.
Drink 2023 – 2036

Slightly reductive and herbal at the moment, but shows a good concentration of fruit and relatively ripe tannins.

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 la Lagune rolls out of the glass with notes of cherry pie, Black Forest cake and warm cassis plus hints of pencil lead, new leather and spice box. Medium-bodied, the palate has great vibrancy with loads of red berries and earthy layers and a firm, chewy frame, finishing lively. Drink 2020-2034.

This has clear damson flesh to the fruit, a good plummy wine with an elegance and freshness to the tannins. It's good, linear with a precision that you don't find everywhere. This is still not quite at the 2015/16 level of completeness, but delivers from start to finish, and is a wine that should age well. It has a 2001 type of elegance and lift with a tension to the tannins that gives confidence in its ageing ability. Now certified organic, in conversion for biodynamics.
Drinking Window 2035 - 2038

Deepest cherry red. Lots of peppery spice over the nicely dusty cassis aroma. That same dusty note on the palate, relatively lightweight in the middle but the tannins are extremely fine to keep it in balance. Fresh and persistent with a gently leafy finish.
Drink 2022-2035

A medium colour with quite a herbal, fresh, bell pepper nose this year. The palate is midweight and crunchy, with chewy tannins and a compact, slightly herbaceous fruit character. A little sweet oak rounds out the mid-palate, but this is slightly herbaceous and lightweight this year in barrel.

The nose has a mix of black fruits depth of flavour the palate ripe black cherry and blackcurrant backed by some bitter chocolate. The tannins are fine the mid palate has sweet fruit rich at the back the finish firm and fresh. Drink 2024 - 2034.

The signature of Cabernet is becoming more and more dominant every year in this sophisticated wine. It is superbly suave with perfectly balanced oak and the tannins are super-clean and refreshing. Lifted, bright and clean, the length rolls on discreetly to a honed finish.