Château Lagrange 2021

This 115-ha vineyard owned by the Japanese conglomerate, Suntory, since 1983. It was already a large vineyard under the previous owners, the Cendoya family, but the planted acreage has doubled since the Suntory acquisition. The estate manager since 2006, when he succeeded the emblematic Marcel Ducasse, is the discreet, but talented, Matthieu Bordes. The vines are planted at 10,000 vines per ha with an average age of 40 years in 2021. The encépagement is comprised of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, rooted in gravelly soils from the Gunzian period. The viticultural practices are sustainable. The grapes came in between September 27th and October 12th with yields of just 34 hls/ha. Once sorted, the fruit was fermented in stainless-steel vats with a 25-day cuvaison, followed by malo, also in tank. Barrel-ageing ensued for 21 months, in 50% new, and 50% second fill, French oak barrels from Boutes, Taransaud, Seguin Moreau, Berger and Demptos. The end is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. Production of the grand vin around 188,000 bts, representing only 39% of the estate's total production. Eric Boissenot consults.