1989 Lagrange St Julien
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Tasting notes
Offers very ripe, raisiny aromas, with a tobacco and leather undertone. Slightly maderized, but it doesn't bother me. Full-bodied, showing very soft, velvety tannins and a medium finish. Seems to be drying a little now. Needs drinking.¿'89/'99 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2009). Drink now. 20,000 cases made. James Suckling, Wine Spectator 2010
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
This muscular, thick, unctuous, lavishly-oaked wine may cause raised eyebrows by those looking for something restrained and understated. There is no doubting the hedonistic appeal of this style of wine. The 1989 (the first bottle was corked) is a smoky, tar, cassis, roasted herb, jammy style of wine, with a dense purple color, sweet tannin, and low acidity. It is easy to drink, although the bouquet has not changed since I tasted it several years ago. The wine is soft and fat, but not flabby. It should drink well for 15+ years, probably developing more focus as well as a more classical profile. The 1989 Lagrange is a big, rich, boldly-flavored wine made in a California-like style. Feb 1997, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
Now with 118 hectares under vine, Ch. Lagrange is a Third Growth, owned by the Suntory group since 1983. Their investment in the property has paid off, today producing benchmark Saint-Julien.