An elegant and finely balanced second wine from Château Lagrange. Aromas of cassis, redcurrant and plum lead into a supple, medium-bodied palate with polished tannins, subtle oak and a fresh, saline edge. Smooth and approachable in youth, yet structured enough to age gracefully. A classic, refined St-Julien with excellent balance and clarity.

The Wine Advocate | RP 89-91
Published: Apr 29, 2022

Amounting to some 61% of the estate's production, the 2021 Les Fiefs de Lagrange offers up attractive aromas of cassis, plums, tobacco leaf and nicely integrated oak. Medium to full-bodied, ample and charming, it's a supple, seamless wine that will drink well on release.

When Matthieu Bordes arrived at Château Lagrange in 2006, he had the good fortune to take over a vineyard that had been extensively replanted in the 1980s and was just arriving at maturity. Since Suntory acquired this estate, indeed, no expense has been spared, nor has any selection been considered too severe; and as the fruits of that investment over the years met Bordes's talents, the results have been exceptional. In 2021, a strict selection and a willingness to sacrifice volume (via saignée and osmosis) have delivered a Lagrange that transcends the limitations of the vintage.

Jancis Robinson | JR 16.5
Published: Jan 28, 2025
Drink: 2027-2033

Tasted blind. Saline and refreshing. Good fruit. Well done! Only just not too drying on the end …

Chateau-lagrange.com

Created in 1983 in order to increase the quality of the Grand Vin through a more drastic selection, the second wine of Château Lagrange was among the first in this category and is today appraised for its intrinsic qualities. Vinified from vines that are already 30 years old on average, half of which are Cabernet Sauvignon, and aged for thirteen months in barrels which are 20% new, it is characterized by supple tannins and offers substantial ageing potential. With a very pure elegance from the beginning, it will gain in depth and intensity over the years.

- 2021 -

TASTING NOTE
The colour is a brilliant bright red. Nice tangy aromas of redcurrant and blackcurrant. Produced from vines that are on average 30 years old, Les Fiefs de Lagrange boasts a beautifully coated dense tannic framework. The Merlots add roundness and accessibility while the Cabernets and Petit Verdots give this wine excellent ageing potential

TERROIR
Completely situated in the village of Saint­Julien, the vineyard of Chateau Lagrange represents 118 hectares in red vines, spread over two hills with the slopes directed towards the North and the South, in one block. The subsoil is of clay and limestone and the topsoil is of pebbles and gravel. The climate is temperate and oceanic.

THE VINTAGE
The total rainfall of recorded in 2021 was lower than the average of the past 25 years. It is interesting to note that temperatures remained cool throughout the growth cycle, a vital element for maintaining balance in the wines. The preparatory vine care during June and July allowed the grapes to reap full benefit from the sun’s rays. The first baskets of Merlot were picked on 27th September with an uncertain weather but the Indian summer began on 4th October : it was the day when everything changed, the turning point. We decided to take our time and to suspend the picking for 2 days. It was a risky decision but a necessary one if we were to harvest great Cabernets! We finish the harvest on th 12th October, we observed the grapes developing every day, progressively more concentrated, losing up to 30% in weight, the tannins and skins becoming finer, revealing promising aromas. The balance and harmony of the 2021 vintage reminds us somewhat of the wines produced in the 2000s, with a higher quality in the tannic framework and the aromatic precision. Like a window open onto the past, the 2021 will be our neo­retro vintage par excellence !

Blend
52% Merlot
40% Cabernet Sauvignon
8% Petit Verdot
Planting Density 8 700 to 10 000 vines / hectare
Harvest From September 27th to October 12th 2021
Grapes are hand­picked into individual crates
A first selection is done by hand on whole bunches, and a second one grape by grape with an optical camera
Vinification Plot by plot and intra plot vinification
102 thermo­regulated stainless steel vats for 103 vine plots
Variable capacity of the vats :  36 to 220 hl
Selection of batch conducted according to the varietal, age of vines,
terroir and grapes maturity.
Traditional vinification at 26­28 °C during 18 to 25 days
Moderate pumping­over every day, or pigeage or delestage
Malo lactic fermentation through co inoculation
Average age of the vine 30 years
Barrel Ageing Blending in January
Maturation for 13 months. 20 % of new oak barrels
Final blending before bottling
Tasting Window 2024 – 2040