chateau lagrange les fiefs de lagrange 2013

classified as a grand cru of saint-julien in 1855, château lagrange dates back to the middle ages. however, it is only in the 18th century that it is dedicated to viticulture, receiving at the same time the famous compliments of the american ambassador thomas jefferson who placed it in the 3rd rank of his personal classification. after a period of crisis in the 19th and 20th centuries (phylloxera, world wars), the property gradually rose from its ashes, thanks in particular to its acquisition by the suntory family group, which planned major renovation work in 1983. today, château lagrange is committed to producing wines with the greatest respect for nature. its ecological footprint is reduced and biodiversity is encouraged (beehives, sheep farming and three hundred species of trees). the wine-making process is just as sophisticated: the team of thirty or so people carry out plot-by-plot selections as well as methods that combine tradition and innovation. as for the grape varieties (70% cabernet sauvignon, 25% merlot and 5% petit verdot for the reds and 80% sauvignon blanc, 10% sauvignon gris and 10% semillon for the whites), they are grown on gravelly slopes, harvested by hand and vinified in stainless steel vats in order to preserve the delicacy of the fruit. the wines are aged in 50% new barrels. the second wine of château lagrange, les fiefs de lagrange is a charming wine from its youngest age. it is composed of approximately 65% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot and 5% petit verdot, from vines that thrive on gravelly soil of "gunzian" origin. the grapes are harvested by hand and then carefully sorted in the cellar. after traditional vinification, the wine is aged for 12 months in french oak barrels, 25% of which are new. the wine is solid, intensely colored thanks to its dark color with purple reflections. its nose is intense, marked by black cherry, licorice and black currant cream. on the palate, this wine is endowed with a beautiful medoc power, while keeping a nice freshness. it shows a beautiful regularity between its vintages, thanks to a selection of a remarkable severity. as it ages, it evolves towards even more finesse and refinement. in order to take advantage of all its aromatic potential, decant it one hour beforehand and taste it at 17 degrees, accompanied by a nice cheese platter.