Lagrange (St Julien) 2015

Tasted blind. Not the freshest nose but dense and concentrated with mases of ripe tannin and some pretty dry (not sweet) fruit. Slightly drying finish. Drink 2025-2040

The 2015 Château Lagrange is a heavenly little Saint-Julien that seriously delivers the goods. Based on 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot and Petit Verdot brought up in around 50% new oak, its deep ruby/purple color is followed by notes of cassis, toasty oak, black licorice and nori (the dried seaweed wrapper used for sushi). With medium to full-bodied richness, beautiful concentration, and ripe tannin, it’s still tight and reserved on the palate and will benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age. 2021 - 2041

The nose has depth the palate has a concentrated mix of black fruits. Firm in the middle but sweeter at the back black cherry and cassis is backed by liquorice and dark chocolate.

The recent investments in the vineyard and cellar at this large, Japanese-owned property arestarting to pay dividends. Fresh, aromatic and stylishly oaked, this is at the lighter end of theSt. Julien spectrum, but has enough Cabernet backbone to age well. Drink: 2020-30

There is quite a lot of dryness here and the oak is blunt and firm, which is somewhat of a signature for Lagrange, andwhile I keep wishing it would go away, it doesn’t, and this tips the wine out of balance and loses it any chance ofappealing to my palate. I can sense great Cabernet here which makes my disappointment all the more acute.

The 2015 Lagrange could perhaps benefit from a little more freshness and brightness on the nose, though it has a mineral drive that surfaces with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit, a fine bead of acidity, moderate depth but very strict and showing slight attenuation toward the finish. It does quite deliver on the improved showing in bottle compared to barrel, although, like Gruaud Larose, I suspect this is just entering an awkward phase. Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting.

The 2015 Lagrange, a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 8% Petit Verdot, has an expressive bouquet with blackberry, raspberry, hints of balsamic and autumn leaves that unfolds with time. This is clean and precise, nothing flamboyant but engaging all the same. The palate is medium-bodied with a very seductive and fleshy opening, the acidity very well judged, with a pure and harmonious finish that caresses the senses (partly thanks to the contribution of the Petit Verdot). There is a citrus-like freshness infusing this Lagrange that makes this irresistible. This surpasses my expectations from barrel, hence the higher score. Anticipated maturity: 2020 - 2040.

The 2015 Lagrange is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 8% Petit Verdot, continuing the estate's philosophy including more Cabernet in the Grand Vin (for example, in 2005 it was just 46%.) Cropped at 50 hl/ha and matured in around 50% to 55% new oak from six different cooperages, it has a tightly-knit bouquet with blackberry, cedar and light rose petal scents, elegant in style. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly grainy tannin, moderate weight in the mouth, not as intense as either the 2009 or 2010, although it is harmonious and graceful. There is a pleasant spicy, white pepper note that lingers on the aftertaste of what should be one of the earlier drinking Saint Julien wines. Drink: 2020 - 2040.

Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Lagrange gives up fragrant notes of chocolate-covered cherries, cassis and blackberry pie with touches of violets, forest floor, truffles and cigar box. Medium-bodied with plenty of intense black fruit and firm, grainy tannins, it has a racy line and long, mineral-laced finish. 2019 - 2040

Blueish crimson. Light and neat. A bit tight and restrained but certainly not flashy! A bit drying on the end but ambitious for the long term. A slightly minor key for the vintage. Drying end.Drink 2025-2038

Lightly meat and two veg on the nose. Juicy - juicer than usual with the tannins well covered up by ripe fruit. Bone dry but not austere. Very correct even if not amazingly winning.Drink 2025-2039