2020 Chateau Lagrange Saint-Julien

Nestled in the heart of the renowned Saint-Julien appellation, Château Lagrange stands proudly as a Third Classified Growth in the Bordeaux 1855 classification.

For nearly two centuries, Lagrange remained within the same family, preserving its unity. One of its most charismatic figures, Charles de Branne de Cours, guided the domain from 1712 to 1746, alongside his Bordeaux relatives who also managed Mouton.Together, they transformed Lagrange into a gem of Médoc viticulture. In 1787, Thomas Jefferson bestowed upon Lagrange the esteemed rank of Third Classified Growth.

As time marched on, Lagrange changed hands, each contributing to its rich history. But it was Count Duchâtel who truly elevated Lagrange between 1842 and 1875. The Tuscan-style tower, designed by the Italian architect Visconti, added elegance and uniqueness to the Château.

Assisted by his faithful estate manager, Galos, Duchâtel introduced innovative techniques, such as using sulphur to combat powdery mildew and pioneering a groundbreaking soil drainage system in the vineyard. Lagrange became a hub of High Society, hosting grand receptions and gatherings of artists who drew inspiration from the enchanting landscapes.

A new era began when the family group, Suntory, acquired Lagrange. Under the leadership of Marcel Ducasse, a graduate of the Bordeaux Institute of Oenology, alongside Kenji Suzuta and Keiichi Shiina, a comprehensive revitalization project was launched. Over three decades of dedication, Lagrange regained its prestigious standing.

Today, under the guidance of Matthieu Bordes and his team, Lagrange's legacy continues. Eric Boissenot, the esteemed consultant oenologist, collaborates with the property's four oenologists to craft wines that epitomize the elegant Saint-Julien style. Each year, they meticulously select the blend that will grace your glass in the winter following the harvest.

2020 was a great year for Bordeaux. Vinous Media blessed this year with a 97-point review and said, "Two thousand-twenty is an exceptional vintage for Bordeaux, certainly the best in the 2018-2020 trilogy. Quality is very, very high."

Aging: 20 months in French oak barrels (50% new)

74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot. 
See Critical Reviews for detailed tasting notes.

A wine that excels in the appellation, the 2020 Château Lagrange has a slightly modern vibe, with plenty of oak, yet still brings classic Bordeaux tobacco, lead pencil, and earthy minerality as well as pure cassis fruits. Medium to full-bodied, balanced, and just about seamless, it’s going to require 5-6 years of bottle age but should cruise for 20-25 years in cold cellars. ~94-96 Jeb Dunnuck

Deep purple-black in color, the 2020 Lagrange leaps from the glass with vibrant notes of redcurrant jelly, ripe blackcurrants and minted blackberries, followed by nuances of dark chocolate, star anise and mossy tree bark. The medium-bodied palate is both super intense and super elegant, featuring exquisitely ripe, fine-grained tannins and seamless freshness to frame the bright, crunchy black and red fruits, finishing long and mineral-laced. ~94-96 Wine Advocate

Attractive nose of blackberries, blackcurrants, walnuts, ink and kaffir leaves. It’s medium- to full-bodied, firm and structured, with chewy and tight tannins. Dark and intense, with a long and persistent finish. Turns to graphite and cedar. Needs time to open and soften. Try from 2026. ~94 James Suckling

The 2020 Lagrange (Saint-Julien) is bright, punchy and wonderfully energetic. Red-toned fruit, sweet spice, cedar and pipe tobacco are all beautifully delineated in this mid-weight, vibrant Saint-Julien. ~91-94 Vinous Media

A perky, bright and enjoyable Lagrange, showing some angularity and austerity to the tannins but at the same time it is bright with clarity of direction, firm and concentrated fruits and juicy on the finish. A little subdued, but this is a quality Lagrange with extremely carefully placed fine tannins and fruit - it shows the essence of St-Julien balance and one that will not need the full 10 years to come around. ~93 Decanter

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