93+ The 2005 Lagrange soars from the glass in a very pure and nascently complex mélange of black cherries, sweet dark berries, tobacco, just a touch of youthful weedy cabernet sauvignon tones, a serious base of soil...
93+ The 2005 Lagrange soars from the glass in a very pure and nascently complex mélange of black cherries, sweet dark berries, tobacco, just a touch of youthful weedy cabernet sauvignon tones, a serious base of soil, bitter chocolate, a sophisticated framing of cedary wood and a touch of currant leaf in the upper register. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and very primary, with outstanding mid-palate depth, firm, well-integrated tannins, tangy acids and great length and grip on the focused finish. One could not ask for a better young claret, and though I have not tasted across the board in St. Julien in this vintage, I have a sneaking suspicion that this is the wine of the vintage in this commune. The 2005 Lagrange is a superb example of the vintage, but like so many of the best wines in this year, it will take a good fifteen years to really reach its peak, and should prove to be extremely ageworthy. Excellent claret. (Drink between 2023-2065)