2019 Lagrange, St-Julien

The 2019 Lagrange is composed of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it skips out with youthful, vibrant notes of wild blueberries, black raspberries, and crushed blackcurrants, followed by hints of camphor, lilacs, and smoked meats. The medium-bodied palate (13.5% alcohol) delivers beautifully defined black fruit and perfumed layers supported by fine-grained tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing long and mineral-laced. It’s temptingly approachable right now, but that touch of gravitas in the subtext suggests a far greater experience to come following 5 to 7 years of cellaring patience. (LPB) 96+

Lagrange is a name to keep an eye on these days, quickly elevating from charming St-Julien to a best-in-class buy. I think this 2019 is a watershed vintage for the estate and a superb upside buy. Aromatically, there's a red flower potpourri, loam, and a core of perfectly ripe red cherry. The palate is graceful, with a beautiful texture, super-fine tannins, juicy cherry skin, subtle gravel minerality, and a long, driven finish. This really highlights the quality of Cabernet (80% of the blend) in the 2019 vintage and almost leans toward Pauillac in structure, while having the give and softness of St-Julien. A compelling wine and real gem, 2019 Lagrange is a wine that deserves more acclaim than it gets—but all the better for anybody looking for one of the savviest buys of this great vintage.