95pts Jane Anson
This is very much in the character of Lagrange over the past few years, showing precision and confidence in its construction, finessed and elegant, with St Julien balance and reserved power. Will absolutely deliver for fans of classical Left Bank Bordeaux with its slate tannins, savoury Cabernet black and blue fruits, fresh leaf tea, tobacco, raspberry leaf, spiced sage and lusicous mouthwatering signoff. 51hl/ha yield.
95pts Decanter
Another great vintage from Lagrange. Strongly scented, lots of Cabernet markers, liquorice, toast, cedar, tobacco, some dark chocolate and dark bramble fruit - blackcurrants and blueberries with perfumed accents too. Smooth and supple, almost velvety on the palate, this has a thickness of fine tannins, and plump fruit with a great juiciness. A touch of bitterness on the finish - some iodine notes, oyster shell salinity and some oak toast. I like the plump, almost fleshy aspect, balancing the acidity with a hint of sweetness.
94-95pts James Suckling
This is tight but has creamy, round tannins and a juicy character. Blackberries, chocolate and spices on the medium-bodied palate. Chewy and polished.
93-95pts Wine Advocate
A blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Merlot, the 2023 Lagrange offers up aromas of dark berries, plums and cherries mingled with hints of pencil shavings and violets. Medium to full-bodied, layered and fleshy, with good depth, supple tannins and a suave, vibrant profile, it's attractively seamless and complete.
93-95pts Jeb Dunnuck
I was able to taste the 2023 Château Lagrange on two separate occasions, and it showed beautifully both times. Deep ruby/purple-hued with a gorgeous yet reserved perfume of cassis, graphite, violets, and spicy oak, it hits the palate with a medium to full-bodied, ultra-pure, seamless mouthfeel that carries flawlessly integrated tannins and acidity. It plays in the fresher, elegant style of the vintage yet has so much to love with its purity, balance, and elegance.
92-95pts Vinous
The 2023 Lagrange is bright, punchy and full of character. Red-toned fruit, blood orange, spice, menthol, licorice and rose petal lend exuberance and freshness to this mid-weight Saint-Julien. Readers will find a wine of total class and sophistication. In a word: terrific.
-Antonio Galloni
92-94pts The Wine Independent
The 2023 Lagrange is deep garnet-purple in color. Notes of red cherries, cassis, and blueberry jump from the glass, followed by hints of violets, graphite, and moss-covered tree bark with a touch of cloves. The medium-bodied palate is vibrant, with a lively line of acidity and ripe fine-grained tannins framing the delicate black and red fruit flavors, finishing with a savory lift. The blend is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Merlot, with pH 3.47.
91-93pts Vinous
The 2023 Lagrange contains no Petit Verdot this year. Matured in 60% new oak, the aromatics demand a bit of coaxing in the glass, eventually revealing blackberry and cedar aromas and just a touch of graphite, quite strict and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with very pliant tannins on the entry, ensuring that this will be an approachable Lagrange. Pure-fruited and gently grippy, there is admirable depth to this Saint-Julien, revealing just a hint of brine towards the saline finish. This is a "solid" wine, if perhaps without the flair of the 2022. It will require four or five years in bottle but should drink well for the next 20 years or more.
- Neal Martin
Winemaker's Notes
Blackcurrant and black cherry notes with spicy and smoky nuances. Over the years, it also develops notes of cedar, licorice and even tobacco, typical of the great wines of Saint-Julien.
History
Grapes have been grown at Chateau Lagrange, St.-Julien, for over 600 years. Third Growth in the Classification of 1855, its vineyard stretches over two Gunzian gravel slopes where the highest point of Saint-Julien thrones on the beautiful estate. It was acquired in 1983 by Suntory, the family Japanese wine and spirits conglomerate, which has spared no effort or expense in extensively replanting and renovating the estate. The property is planted with 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. An uncompromising quest for excellence, such is the philosophy here. For several decades now the exceptional terroir has inspired a unique approach where precision and innovation are paramount. Today, Chateau Lagrange is under the direction of winemaker Matthieu Bordes since 2013.
