Chateau La Lagune 2021

Critical Acclaim: 93 pts James Suckling; 92 pts Decanter; 91 pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate; 91 pts Jeb Dunnuck. About the Winery: 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.  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. Château La Lagune is aged in French oak barrels, 50% of which are renewed every year. The wines are racked several times during their maturation, in order to eliminate the large lees and favor maturation on fine lees. The entire vineyard is certified organic and cultivated with respect for the soil and the living ecosystem. The last 20 years have enabled us to set up the foundations of a viticulture that takes care of the vines. We choose what is best for each of our plots, without limiting ourselves to a single approach. The ultimate goal: that our vineyards, our soils and our wines come alive! Tasting Notes:  "An estate that continues to punch above its weight, the 2021 Château La Lagune sports a deep ruby/plum hue as well as a terrific bouquet of ripe black fruits, cassis, graphite, and scorched earth. One of the most serious, concentrated, age-worthy Haut-Médocs in the vintage, it has medium-bodied richness, a layered, concentrated mid-palate, background oak, and ripe tannins. Give it 2-4 years and enjoy over the following decade or more. This is one that's well worth seeking out. Drinking window: 2024-2039." -Jeb Dunnuck. "The 2021 La Lagune has turned out nicely in bottle, unwinding in the glass with aromas of dark berries, cherries, spices and truffles, followed by a medium to full-bodied, velvety and seamless palate with good depth of fruit, lively acids and sweet tannins. Drinking Window 2025-2040." -Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. "Dark and rich nose, full of hedgerow fruits and subtle perfumed aromas - so captivating. Beautifully layered palate - soft, gentle and delicate with ripe blackcurrants, black cherries and plums to the fore, while fine tannins give support to the overall frame. It's certainly on the more delicate side, but this has such vivacious energy and will be lovely to enjoy soon. Also shows a lick of slate and liquorice at the end giving texture and an added flavour dimension, suggesting there is more to this than its initial easy-drinking character. A stellar effort this year. Drinking Window 2025-2030." - Decanter. "This is showing aromas of black currants, dried herbs, paprika, orange zest and tobacco leaves. It’s medium-bodied with fine-grained, polished tannins. Silky, elegant and long. 70% cabernet sauvignon, 20% merlot and 10% petit verdot. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink after 2024." -James Suckling. Varietal: 70% Cabernet-Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot