Château Lagrange, Haut-Médoc (Bordeaux, France) “Pagus de Lagrange” 2020 ($28)

Jan 15, 2025

By Andrew Holod
Wine label

As the winery’s tech sheet notes 2020 was a special year, marked by the Covid-19 epidemic, record rainfall in Bordeaux, and a particularly early bud break and harvest. They claim that the Merlot component is magnificent and opulent. Cabernet Sauvignon harvest was delayed by 4 days to allow for tannin and aromas to develop. My take is that this wine shows the promise of truly great wine at higher price levels (by comparison to the château’s “Grand Vin” Lagrange—a Third Growth in the 1855 classification—and Les Fiefs de Lagrange (the 2nd wine). This release is made from Château-owned vineyards, averaging 30 years old, located just across the commune line from St. Julien into Haut-Médoc. Showing an inky purple appearance in the glass, the aroma offers a combination of sapid cassis with all of its leafy charm intact unobstructed by any new oak. Texturally, the tannins are soft and the acids gentle for a young Bordeaux, especially considering the winery’s suggested 30-year aging potential. I think this wine proves a great example of how France continues to offer amazing value to wine consumers. I’m not sure one could find a wine with an equal combination of finesse and concentration from most New World wineries for a similar price.
91 Andrew Holod

Country / Region

Bordeaux, France

Appellation

Haut-Médoc

Grape Variety

Color

Red

Vintage

2020

Score

91

Price

US $ 28

Producer

Château Lagrange