Region | |
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Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > St Julien |
Colour | Red |
Type | Still |
View all vintages of this wine | View all wines by Château Lagrange
A blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot, the 1996 is even more subdued on the nose than the 1996, with overt cedar and tobacco aromas. But good definition, perhaps with a little more clarity than the 1995. Unfurls reluctantly to reveal more smoky aromas. Surprisingly supple on the entry, good balance with superb ripeness on the mid-palate with dense, ripe black fruits, touches of blueberry and black plum with a touch of citrus orange in the background. The finish is very well defined and focused. Excellent – but it needs time.
The superb 1996 is opaque purple-coloured with a backward yet promising nose of classically pure cassis intermixed with toast and spice. This medium to full bodied, powerful yet stylish wine posseses superb purity, a nicely layered feel in the mouth, and plenty of structure. It will not be an earl drinking St.-Julien, but one to lat down for 2-3 years an enjoy over the next two decades. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2022.
Crimson. No sign of age. Toasty, attractive nose. Very mellow and sweet and charming - is this the Gruaud? Luvely, sprightly, well balanced and already approachable although with some tannin still underneath the ripe fruit. Drink 2006-16
A classic Bordeaux as well as a textbook St -Julien, this dense, powerful yet elegant 1996 is broodingly backward, but it does reveal considerable promise. The dark purple color is accompanied by a nose that reluctanctly offers up aromas of sweet toasty oak, cassis, cedar, and minerals. The wine possesses full body and outstanding concentration, as well as an overall sense of elegance and equilibrium. Backward but not agressively tannic, the 1996 Lagrange should continue to flesh out and merit an outstanding rating.