| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > St Julien |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
This château is the largest of all the classed growths with 117 hectares of vines (four of which are planted with white varieties). Top quality Saint Julien has been produced here since the late 1980s when it was bought by the Suntory group of Japan. This quality level is partly achieved by the production of a very good second wine, Les Fiefs de Lagrange, which in most vintages makes up more than 50% of production. The red varieties are planted 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot.
The 2025 is mainly Cabernet Sauvignon (77%) with 18% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. The yield was 32 hl/ha. ABV 13.5%. Maturation in 55% new oak. Matthieu Bordes told us that whilst 2009, 2016 and 2022 are the best vintages he has produced, this one comes next - ahead of 2020, 2019 and 2010.
The 2025 Lagrange shows excellent potential, offering up notes of cassis, dark berries and violets, framed by a subtle touch of new oak. Medium- to full-bodied, deep and dense, with a concentrated core of fruit, sweet tannins and a long, penetrating finish, it's a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, checking in at 13.6% alcohol. Representing half the estate's production, its mid-palate depth and amplitude reflect the decision to harvest the estate's Cabernet Sauvignon late, between September 21 and October 10.
The 2025 Lagrange was cropped at an average of 30 hl/ha, lower for the Cabernet, with 13.56% alcohol. It was picked from September 8 until September 24 and matured in 60% new oak barrels. This has a sublime bouquet that actually reminds me of the 2020, beautifully defined with blackcurrant, iodine and touches of violet petals. The oak is very well integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with granular tannins, fine acidity, gentle but insistent grip. Quite compact towards the finish, this has a linearity that I really admire, imparting a sense of classicism and "coolness". This is an excellent Lagrange from Mathieu Bordes and his team. 2030 - 2060
Deep ruby colour. The nose needs a little coaxing here, but shows cool dark fruit layers of blackcurrant, dark cherry and blueberry with a little toasty oak. The palate is the same - this is quintessential St Julien - chalky, direct and cool, vibrant in acids with a cool but intense dark fruit core. Flecks of cedar and sweeter wood spice come through, but this is earnest, proper Medocain in style. Unadulterated Claret, with a long, fine and refreshing finish.
BoAromas of blackberries, tar and a touch of violets. Medium- to full-bodied with good concentration and expressive dark fruit, framed by firm, fine-grained tannins and a persistent finish.
Enjoyably sleek, another great vintage of Lagrange, delivers dark chocolate, coffee bean, precise, fine but plentiful tannins, edges of clear squid ink on the finish, good stuff. Yield 32 hl/ha. 50% new oak. 2034-2044.
The 2025 Lagrange is bold, explosive and full of life. Broad, supple contours envelop the palate, releasing layers of dark-toned fruit, cedar, mocha, dried herbs and espresso. The 2025 builds nicely, gaining volume and persistence over time. This is a strong showing. Tasted two times. 2030-2045.
