2005 Chateau Lagrange-Saint Julien

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/france/75851.html

Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
Region: Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France
Food pairing: Dry-aged Porterhouse steak



Brand: Chateau Lagrange
Style: Red Wine
Varietal: Bordeaux Red
Region: Bordeaux St Julien
Category: France
Size: 750 ml
Ratings: RP 91 WS 93 IWC 93

2009 September Wine Club Premiere Selection

Ok, folks, a cautious word to the wise. Throughout this newsletter and throughout the press, you've been told that the 2005 vintage of Bordeaux is one that can be drunk young or aged—a miracle vintage that goes both ways. But house style trumps general vintage every time, and frankly, Chateau Lagrange doesn't "do" young-drinkin'. So unless you love, and I mean loooove a glass full of strong tannins, give this one another year or ten.

One of only fourteen Troisieme Crus (Third Growths) in the Bordeaux classification of 1855 and the largest single vineyard among classified estates in the Medoc, Chateau Lagrange has been revived as a successful and well-respected chateau under the direction and winemaking of Marcel Ducasse. Most of the Cabernet, Merlot and Petit Verdot planted to the property average 30 years in age, and the 2005 was one of the most heralded in recent decades. The Wine Spectator called it "beautiful, superbalanced and ultrasilky," while Robert Parker noted "Once again, the provocative words ‘the best ever made' appear in my tasting notes. In twenty-eight years, I have never tasted a Lagrange as amazing as this 2005." He went on to call out notes of olive, blackberry, cassis, cedar, barbeque smoke, but ended with a warning: "but, wow, what an excruciatingly high level of tannin." Patience, friends, patience. This should begin to drink at its best three or more years from now.

Food pairing: Dry-aged Porterhouse steak

Reviews

Robert Parker 91 Points

Sweet, toasty, oaky notes interwoven with hints of black olives, blackberries, cassis, and spice box are found in this densely saturated ruby/purple-hued 2005. While rich, with impressive concentration and purity, it is also tannic, full-bodied, and painfully backward and foreboding. This is another long-term prospect that will require patience. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2027.

Wine Spectator 93 Points

Currant, mineral, plum and light toasty oak follow through to a full body, with ultrasilky tannins and a long, caressing finish. This is thoroughly beautiful. Superbalanced and very pretty. Best after 2011. 24,165 cases made. -JS

International Wine Cellar 91 Points

Medium red-ruby. Reticent but sweet nose offers plum, black cherry, minerals and bitter chocolate. Thick and powerful but with excellent vinosity and sweetness as well as a slightly exotic character to the red fruit and spice flavors. Deep, slow-mounting wine that builds impressively on the back end. The tannins here make those of the 2006 seem a bit rigid by comparison. I was struck by the thought that Lagrange has done consistently well in the last three vintages, and that each effort is an accurate reflection of its year.

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/france/75851.html

Gary's Wine & Marketplace - Madison | Bernardsville | Wayne
1308 Route 23 North • Wayne, NJ 07470 • 973-633-3900
E-mail: info@garyswine.com • Toll Free: 1-888-99-GARYS
http://www.GarysWine.com • Buy Wine Online • NJ Wine Store