Chateau Lagrange is a Third Growth icon in the Saint-Julien appellation, with history tracing back to the Middle Ages. Over the last 40 years, the chateau has rebuilt itself into one of Bordeaux's greatest, largely due to the investment of the current owner, the Suntory Group. Its 107-hectare vineyard is the largest undivided plot in the entire western Medoc and produces beautifully concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot.
Chateau Lagrange: Third Growth Bordeaux History
Chateau Lagrange dates back to the Middle Ages, when the term "grange" referred to a vast estate that included a church, hospital, large farm buildings, and a house. Vines were originally planted during this time, though the estate's official establishment was not until 1796. One of the chateau's original owners, Baron de Brane, also owned Chateau Brane Cantenac and Brane Mouton (now known as Chateau Mouton Rothschild) before passing the reins to Jean-Valerie Cabarrus. Under his leadership, Cabarrus developed Lagrange's signature style, leaving Thomas Jefferson in awe of the wine and denoting the estate as a Third Growth in his personal classification.
Next came the Count Duchatel, the home secretary to King Louis Philippe, who acquired Chateau Lagrange in 1842 and installed land drainage systems, an innovative act which allowed the estate formal status as a Third Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. Unfortunately for Lagrange, the chateau struggled for the next century, selling nearly half of its land due to the phylloxera outbreak, the World Wars, and even a fire that burnt parts of the vineyard.
Then, in 1983, Japanese liquor giants, the Suntory Group, acquired the estate and returned Lagrange to its former glory. Under their leadership, the company hired Marcel Ducasses as head winemaker with the help of renowned oenologist Emile Peynaud. Furthermore, the Suntory Group pumped millions of dollars into vineyard replanting and extension, chateau renovations, and other necessary investments that have allowed Lagrange to make a better wine.
Chateau Lagrange St. Julien: Largest Undivided Plot in the Medoc
Chateau Lagrange is located in the Saint-Julien AOC within Bordeaux's Médoc region. The estate lies on the highest point in the AOC, containing gravel soils across 118 total hectares. Of the amount, 107 hectares are in an undivided block, the largest in all of the Medoc. The vineyard is planted to 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, and 7% Petit Verdot; conversely, a small 11-hectare parcel is planted to the white varietals, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, and Sauvignon Gris.
Chateau Lagrange Wine Portfolio
Chateau Lagrange produces five wines within its portfolio— the Grand Vin, the second wine Les Fiefs de Lagrange, the third wine Le Haut Medoc de Lagrange, and the white wines, Les Arums de Lagrange and Les Fleurs du Lac.
The Grand Vin is a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend complemented with Merlot and Petit Verdot. The wine is crafted with the oldest fruit in the vineyard and is aged for 21 months in 50% new oak barrels. Final cuvées have been described as concentrated and powerful with immense aging potential.
Chateau Lagrange 2018
The 2018 Chateau Lagrange has been noted as one of the chateau's finest releases, receiving a 97-point score from Jeb Dunnuck and a 95-point score from Lisa Perrotti-Brown of The Wine Advocate. Both critics celebrated the bottles for their rich, full-bodied expression of St. Julien, alongside the graphite and dark fruit notes on the palate.
Chateau Lagrange 2005
Robert Parker referred to the 2005 Chateau Lagrange as the chateau's "best ever made" for its flamboyance, fine tannins, and exceptional length. The bottle joins the outstanding 2005 Bordeaux vintage, which has been noted as one of the region's greatest efforts of all time.
Similar to Parker, Jeb Dunnuck rated the bottle 95 points, while Neal Martin of Vinous Media opted for a 93-point rating.
Les Fiefs de Lagrange
Les Fiefs de Lagrange is the estate's second wine and was first crafted in 1983, once the Suntory Group took over. The label was conceptualized to allow more scrutiny in fruit selection for the Grand Vin, which sees only 40% of the total harvest. Consequently, Les Fiefs de Lagrange receives exceptional fruit from vines that are 30-years-old on average. Unlike the Grand Vin, Les Fiefs is aged for 13 months in 20% new oak barrels and features a 50% Cabernet Sauvignon final blend.
The wine has been noted for its supple tannins and elegant style, with the 2018 and 2022 vintages heralded as the best releases.
Les Arums de Lagrange
Les Arums de Lagrange is Chateau Lagrange's flagship white wine, crafted with Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Sauvignon Gris. The wine was first produced in 1996 as one of the first white wines from the Médoc. Numerous critics have praised the balance of creaminess and freshness, also noting the citrus aromas and exotic fruit palate.
Acquire a Bottle of Chateau Lagrange Wine for Your Cellar
Chateau Lagrange provides an excellent value for discerning customers searching for classed Bordeaux with concentrated flavors and a unique history. From the Grand Vin to the second label, Les Fiefs de Lagrange, each bottle makes an excellent cellar addition. Browse our in-stock Chateau Lagrange wines and secure your acquisition today.
