2016 Château Lagrange
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Lagrange is quite backward on the nose, but there is no shortfall in fruit. Admirable purity, graphite-laced black fruit with hints of Montecristo in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, fine tannins, more mineralité than the '16 Saint-Pierre, with a precise and persistent finish that is a joy. Top-notch and not to be under-estimated. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting.
Critic scores
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Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
A stunningly successful Lagrange, easily one of the best ever at the property, with complexity, density, and staying power. Combines the exuberant texture of the 2009 with precision and clarity of fruit. The conditions of the vintage meant the smallest size of beries in 35 years, and although the tannins are clearly present they are finessed and sappy. A very young wine, but balanced and seductive, with lush cassis and blackberry fruits. 3.47ph, 60% new oak - this is an upscore from my last tasting of this vintage, but it is really singing. Harvest October 3 to October 24 with a record (since Suntory purchase) 49% of production making it to the 1st wine. Eric Boissenot consultant.
The 2016 Lagrange has a boisterous, almost gregarious bouquet featuring layers of blackberry, boysenberry, violets and cassis scents that storm from the glass. Fortunately, it retains very good precision and delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and a fine bead of acidity. Fresh in the mouth, leading to a minerally finish; a pinch of cracked black pepper lingers on the aftertaste. Superb. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting.
Tasted blind. Dark blackish crimson. Light toasty nose. Appealing rather than really grand and intense. No one could object to this charmer. (JR)