Les Fiefs de Lagrange 2016 - Second vin du Château Lagrange

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

Precise and elegant, with the terroir’s characteristic rich cedar notes and well-integrated tannins. A lovely, supple texture and good length.

About the estate:

This vast vineyard estate, as consistent in character as its neighbor Gruaud-Larose, has seen its vines mature and lend an unprecedented intensity to its grand cru, while refining its style over the past three years thanks to the efforts of the current technical team. Its wine is a straightforward, classic, almost mineral expression of the finest terroirs of Saint-Julien, revealing an undeniable similarity in flavor and style to Léoville-Las-Cases—which is no small compliment. Excellent value for money.

Guide des Vins Gault & Millau

About the estate:

It is often thanks to the owner’s dedication that Bordeaux châteaux are able to reach their full potential. Lagrange was not so fortunate, changing hands frequently. It was not until the arrival of the Japanese group Suntory in 1983 that the estate received the attention it deserved: restoration of the vineyard, a new winery, and above all, a dynamic team led by Marcel Ducasse—who was replaced in 2007 by Bruno Eynard, who had served as his assistant for 17 years. The new winery now facilitates even more precise plot-by-plot winemaking.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

Acquired by the Japanese group Suntory in 1983, the château quickly established itself as a reliable and consistent choice within the appellation, producing elegant, well-structured, and consistently affordable wines. A vast estate managed with great care, though its most recent vintages—while by no means lacking merit—seemed to us slightly less compelling. In a highly competitive landscape, facing neighbors who spare no detail in producing the finest wines possible, Lagrange appears somewhat stagnant, leading us to remove its star.

Wine Enthusiast

About the wine:

As Château Lagrange’s second wine, it features firm tannins and an elegant, mature structure. The tannins and rich blackcurrant fruit are beautifully integrated, resulting in a full-bodied wine that will continue to develop nicely over the coming years. Best enjoyed starting in 2023.

James Suckling

About the wine:

A superb Saint-Julien that embodies everything one expects from this appellation: elegant, medium-dry tannins, ripe red fruit, and lively acidity. The second wine of Château Lagrange. Enjoy now or cellar.