| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Haut Médoc |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
A popular classed growth of 90 hectares, situated south of Margaux near Cantemerle. The new owners have invested a great deal of money here in recent years and have also bought Paul Jaboulet Ainé in Hermitage. The vineyard is planted with 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. The property was certified organic in 2016 and is currently working towards biodynamic certification.
Reminding me, like the 2019, of a modern-day version of the lovely 1990, the 2022 La Lagune bursts with aromas of dark berries, cassis, licorice and violets. Medium to full-bodied, supple and fleshy, it's a broad, sensual wine with velvety tannins and a suave, charming profile. With 13.8% alcohol, it remains classically proportioned, with a rather high pH of over 3.8 likely contributing to its open, giving style this year.
The 2022 La Lagune, the first vintage certified biodynamic (BIODYVIN), was bottled in May 2024. It fulfills the promise intimated from barrel with delineated, focused flavors and neatly integrated oak. Black fruit mingles with sous-bois and light pencil box aromas. The medium-bodied palate offers more sappy black fruit, a ferrous quality, fleshy texture and fine tannins. A touch of spice box on the finish is more austere than predicted. Nevertheless, this is a fine Haut-Médoc that will require three to five years in bottle. 2030 - 2060
Notes of cassis, licorice, sweet berries and flowers preface the 2022 La Lagune, a medium to full-bodied, layered and enveloping wine with a broad attack, velvety tannins and a sweet core of fruit. This is a real success. 2026 - 2037
Sandalwood and incense waft from the glass on the nose, this is marked by new wood but underneath shows sleek black fruit. The palate finds more balance, the same compact notes of black cherry and blackcurrant coming through. The tannins have bite without overwhelming the core, giving a sense of linearity and focus on this midweight wine. Firm on the finish, this is a tight, classic style.
Layered and refined, with aromas of minerals, currants, cedar, cherries and subtle smoky toast. Juicy, firm and polished, with chalky tannins. Really balanced, with a medium to full body and a very long, poised, nicely vertical finish. Better in two to three years.
This is an exceptional vintage at La Lagune, really benefiting from the heat in terms of ripening the fruit, but retaining the reserved character that you often find here. Precision in its dark berry frame, with hints of opulence in waves of cocoa bean, cigar box and espresso, all tempered by slate-textured tannins and grip, savoury with personality, one of the best I have tasted from this estate. Caroline Frey owner, harvest September 9 to 26. A single point upgrade.
52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot. Cask sample.
Reserved nose with a floral edge. Pure and layered on the palate with balancing freshness. Tannins finely honed. Builds to a long and persistent finish. Potential for ageing. (JL) 13.7%
Drink 2030– 2042
The 2022 La Lagune really takes a while to settle in the glass. It eventually sheds its veneer of oak to reveal attractive blackberry, sous-bois and pencil box aromas, and an exotic element loitering just off-stage. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe tannins that lacquer the mouth. Quite dense and muscular, yet it retains definition and plenty of freshness on the finish. It will require bottle age, but it should evolve into a fine La Lagune.
This is long and fresh with a linear feeling to the rich fruit, showing plums, redcurrants and spices, with chocolate and walnuts. Medium to full body. Fine tannins. This is the first year being certified biodynamic from Demeter and furthermore, La Lagune is always excellent in hot years.
Impressive La Lagune, with depth and reach, manages to deliver intense tannic architecture, with Left Bank power and concentrated cassis and bilberry fruits, with fresher pomegranate, citrus zest, mandarin oil, tobacco, cigar box all adding complexity. Supple tannins also, and plenty of them, with bitter almond notes adding focus on the finish. Ageing potential here, and an impressive vintage for the property. Harvest September 9 to 26. Owner Caroline Frey.
