33250 Saint-Julien, France

see here for a more recent (November 2003) review of Ch Lagrange

Third growth St Julien estate performing to potential. These wines weren't showy, but despite the lack of up-front appeal the 1998 and 1996 had the stuffing to age nicely. The 1997 was in a different style, and is drinking well now.

Château Lagrange 1998
Dense purple/black colour, with a muted nose. On the palate this is firm and very tannic. It is mineralic and youthful; not fleshy or rich. Needs time. Very good (Berry Bros stock this for £28.50)

Château Lagrange 1997
Deep purple/black colour, this is a good effort from a tricky vintage. Nice deep smoky nose – fruity and rich. On the palate this wine shows an attractive minerality and good density, with ripe blackcurrant fruit. Enjoyable stuff. Very good+ (everywine.co.uk stock this for the equivalent of £32 a bottle)

Château Lagrange 1996
A deep red/black colour, this is a huge wine. Reticent in the nose, it is very concentrated on the palate with tight blackcurrant fruit and cedary, mineralic complexity. Needs a lot of time, but very good/excellent. (everywine.co.uk stock this for the equivalent of £36 a bottle)

(Tasted November 2000)