Château La Lagune Haut Medoc 2016

In 1855, La Lagune joined the very strict circle of Grands Crus Classés and became the 3rd Grand Cru Classé. On the road to the Médoc, it represents the first and one of the most beautiful gravelly hilltops. The story begins in 1525, around the natural water points where the «village of La Lagune» was built, and transformed into a wine-producing estate around 1587. The Chartreuse was built in 1730 and completed by Baron Victor Louis, architect of the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux. Since her arrival in 2000, Caroline Frey and her team have instilled an energy whose key word is excellence. The making of a great wine requires a great terroir but also the passion and skills of the men and women, in the care of every detail. Finesse, harmony, elegance and balance express themselves wonderfully through this 3rd Grand Cru Classé.

Tasting notes:

95PTS, James Suckling

This is wonderful and perhaps the best La Lagune since 1982. Full body, yet the texture is amazing giving it a plush, silky texture that makes it formed and beautiful. Thick and melting in the mouth. Lots of forest floor, tar and black currant character. Very persistent finish. Energy. From organically grown grapes.

RP95, Robert Parker

At least for this writer, the 2016 La Lagune is a return to form after their 2015 did not light my fire last en primeur. Lucid purple/black in color, it has a very intense bouquet with blackberries and sloes, whilst maintaining delineation and focus, almost pastille-like in style. The palate is medium-bodied with quite firm tannin, perhaps just a little brittle on the entry, though it is commensurate with others 2016s that I tasted in barrel. I appreciate the focus and the “correctness” of this La Lagune, notwithstanding the freshness and tension that defines the persistent finish. This is a long-term wine, so do not be afraid to give this four or five years in the cellar. This is an excellent La Lagune, one of the best in recent years.