2019 La Lagune

Wafting from the glass with aromas of cherries, wild berries and cassis mingled with hints of dark chocolate, pencil shavings and violets, the 2019 La Lagune is medium to full-bodied, broad and sensual, its ample core of fruit framed by polished tannins and succulent acids. In its elegant, generous style, it's reminiscent of a modern-day version of the brilliant 1990. One of the Médoc's southernmost and most precocious sites, La Lagune occupies two domes of fine gravel, some 1.5 meters deep, that becomes sandier in the vineyard's lower-lying sectors. The trend when replanting has been for Cabernet Sauvignon to displace Merlot on the prime sectors of the vineyard, and farming is organic (certified from 2020 on), with cover crops and less frequent mechanical cultivation than in the past. Winemaking is classical, with gentle pump-overs, and the press wine is carefully selected before inclusion. In the cellar, maturation occurs with some 50% new oak. The result is a rather sensual, seamless wine, with plenty of fleshy charm and fine aging potential, and the 2019 has turned out extremely well.

Lovely perfumed, floral and fruity nose - generous and inviting aromatics. Good texture here, smooth with fine-grained tannins, the fruit is not super bright and exuberant though, it's dense, compact and more subdued at the moment. Linear and direct with tannins that are taught, austere and quite present at the moment. Good quality with a cooling finish that's so appealing.

The 2019 La Lagune is fabulous. A wine of power, depth and tension, the 2019 is compelling right out of the gate. Black cherry, plum, rose petal, sweet pipe tobacco and blood orange lend striking complexity. Persistent and engaging, the 2019 is a thrilling La Lagune loaded with classy, personality and pedigree. It's one of the best recent vintages I can remember tasting. Don't miss it!