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Lagrange (St Julien) 1996

RegionBordeaux
Subregion France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > St Julien
ColourRed
TypeStill
Grape VarietyCabernet Sauvignon/Merlot

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Label

Tasting Notes

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.

93
Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, November 2008

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.

92
Robert Parker, Bordeaux Book (4), December 2003

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

17.5
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, September 2006
93
Farr Vintners, 1996 Bordeaux Blind Tasting 8/9/2006, September 2006
Read more tasting notes...
90
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (122), April 1999
90/91
Robert Parker, Bordeaux Book (3), November 1998

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.

90/91
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (115), February 1998
Please note that these tasting notes/scores are not intended to be exhaustive and in some cases they may not be the most recently published figures. However, we always do our best to add latest scores and reviews when these come to our attention. We advise customers who wish to purchase wines based simply on critical reviews to carry out further research into the latest reports.