For the grand vin of Lagrange, grapes are hand-picked into small crates and then sorted both manually and by an optical sorting machine. Traditional Bordeaux vinification is carried out in 92 temperature-controlled stainless steel vats of varying capacities, thus allowing a separate vinification to respect the character of each plot and soil-type. Placing all or part of a given plot into its own vat also allows harvest at optimum ripeness.

Total vatting time, determined by tasting, varies from 16 to 28 days, depending on the tannic development in the fermenting wines. Temperature of fermentation never exceeds 28°C to guarantee preservation of the finesse and fruitiness. Selection of press wine is performed “barrel by barrel“ allowing a wider choice range during the blend tastings.

The wines are blended only a few months after harvest, to achieve a better harmonization of the tannins and plot origins. The wines are aged 20 months in French oak barrels, of which 60% are new, and racked every 3 months.

The 1989 Lagrange St Julien is a venerated expression of a Bordeaux blend, hailing from the esteemed region of Bordeaux, France, specifically the sub-region of St Julien. This red wine is a vintage offering from the reputable producer, Lagrange. As a testament to its quality, it has been favorably reviewed by Wine Spectator and Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, scoring 89 and 90 respectively.

The rich, robust character of this wine is unmistakable. It presents very ripe, raisiny aromas, underscored by a foundation of tobacco and leather. The bouquet is intriguing, with hints of smoky tar, cassis, and roasted herbs adding to its complexity. This wine is not for the faint of heart, it's a muscular, thick, and unctuously lavish creation, with a bold, jammy style that pushes boundaries and challenges conventional expectations.

On the palate, it is full-bodied and boasts very soft, velvety tannins, leading to a medium finish. The wine is soft and fat, but not flabby, hinting at a careful balance between boldness and finesse. Despite its decadent appeal, the wine maintains a hint of restraint, hinting at the possibility of further evolution and focus in the coming years.

This 1989 Lagrange St Julien is a nod to the hedonistic appeal of wine, made in a style reminiscent of California offerings. However, the wine is starting to show signs of aging, suggesting that it's a bottle that needs savoring sooner rather than later. A compelling blend of traditional Bordeaux and modern audacity, this wine is a true delight for the senses.