| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > St Julien |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
This Chateau is the largest of all the classed growths with 117 hectares of vines (4 of which are planted with white varieties). Top quality Saint Julien has been produced here since the late 1980's 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 2017 Lagrange has a medium to deep garnet-purple color. It bursts with notes of blackberries and wild blueberries, plus suggestions of raspberry leaves, pencil shavings, and crushed rocks. Medium-bodied, the palate is taut and muscular, framed by firm, grainy tannins and impressive tension, finishing long.
The 2017 Lagrange was bottled in July 2019. It is a barrel sample that I had reservations towards after the vineyard was affected by frost. Head winemaker Mathieu Bordes told me that it was parsed out by marking the vines and selling anything unsatisfactory to the distillery. For me, it still misses some vigour and complexity on the nose, especially comparing it to other vintages. The palate is fresh on the entry with pretty red fruit, almost Burgundy-like in style. Fleshy, red cherry and crushed strawberry flavours linger on the finish. It has improved since last year but I suspect it will be most enjoyable for early drinking. Drink 2021-2035.
A 2017 with serious depth of fruit and firm tannins. Solid center palate. Fresh and long finish. Should come out nicely.
Savoury and concentrated dark fruit, with raspberry puree alongside cassis, rose stem, cloves and chocolate shavings. The frost that struck in the early part of the year impacted Merlot more than Cabernet, meaning very little Fiefs de Lagrange 2nd wine, and a full 55% of production went into the 1st wine. 50% new oak, packed full of the precision that is more and more clear in recent vintages of Lagrange. Eric Boissenot consultant.
Mid cherry red with bright red rim. Smells sweeter than the Gloria just tasted. A little charry on the palate but nicely balanced by the freshness. Moreish and mouth-watering, tannins already supple with a hint of that char on the finish.
Drink 2024-2034
The vines at Lagrange are further inland (away from the estuary) than most in Saint Julien so unfortunately it was the worst hit by frost. The grand vin production is down by 35% and the Fiefs de Lagrange by 70%. None of the second generation bunches were used for the wine but their juice was sent off for distillation into brandy. The grand vin is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. Wild bramble and cassis on the nose with sweet moccha coffee notes. Rounded, forward and approachable on the palate, the soft tannins and fresh acidity allow the crunchy and bright cherry and blackcurrant fruit to shine through. Sweet and toasty oak polishes the finish with the smoky, sappy fruits.
The nose has a mix of fresh fruits the palate ripe fruited soft and easy. Under the soft core there is freshness quite firm tannins but the ripe fruit comes through giving depth on the finish. Drink 2025 - 2034.
As always this is a powerfully oaky wine and in 2017 nothing has changed, but there is a lot of vibrant fruit here and some spice and char and it all seems to work. The total experience is rather flashy and modern, but this is not an issue. I would always love to see more of the fruit at this Château but in 2017 the various ingredients are in balance and I commend this effort.
The 2017 Lagrange was picked from 20 September until 4 October at 28hl/ha, the smallest since 1991, the Grand Vin matured in 50% new oak. The pH is around 3.6 and the alcohol around 13.3°. I found the bouquet missing the same cohesion as the 2014, 2015 and 2016 at this stage, a little light and missing the complexity that this property can produce. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin, a little masculine in style compared to the 2016 with a noticeable saline influence. What is missing is the flair and weight of the best vintages of Lagrange can offer, a Saint-Julien somehow “distracted” by the frost that reconfigured the final blend and feels less assured. Drink 2020 - 2030.
Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Lagrange strides confidently out of the glass with notes of warm blackberries, black cherry compote and black currant jelly plus nuances of Indian spices, garrigue and lilacs. Medium-bodied, the palate is elegantly played with plush tannins and an impressive intensity of crunchy black fruits, finishing with great length and plenty of depth. Drink: 2020-2038
The medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Lagrange is 100% Merlot and opens with a seriously plummy nose along with a compelling undercurrent of spice cake, potpourri and chocolate box plus a waft of sage. Medium-bodied, taut and muscular with a rugged frame of chewy tannins and lively acid, it finishes with an energizing herbal lift.
This has been a tough vintage for Lagrange, but they have worked well with it. It has carefully extracted cassis and blackberry fruit, and some lovely, elegant oak dusting. It doesn't have the depth of expression of the past few years, but is extremely accomplished and softly spoken. It will offer huge amounts of pleasure. Tasted several times.
Drinking Window 2025 - 2038
