2013 Château Lagrange
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Full bottle 1,325 g. Part of a special bottling of a series of vintages of Ch Lagrange in ancient oaks. This wine was matured in oak from La Futaie des Clos in the heart of the Bercé forest north of Tours. At the age of 353, this oak fell in the notorious storm Klaus in January 2009. Grown in a particularly difficult vintage when ripeness was at a premium. Pale crimson. Oak does not overwhelm this delicate fruit. And then the fruit is really pretty spindly and weak. A bit sour on the end. Not much fun, despite the antique oak, I'm afraid. Very dry, drying and demanding on the finish. It must have been quite difficult to choose an oak for this very light vintage. (JR)
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
There were some moments of respite in St Julien but overall 2013 was a complicated vintage here as elsewhere, three weeks behind in flowering, and a summer that never really got going. It means that you'll find less density than most in the lineup but this is appealing, with delicacy and a mouthwatering finish. Rose bud and green pepper notes alongside gentle raspberry and savoury black fruits. A year where the new cellar and the optical sorting were both essential, as were the 250 people working in the vineyard to bring the fruit in and sort it manually (more than double the typical number). Ready to drink. Yield 37hl/h, 60% new oak. Eric Boissenot consultant.
The 2013 Lagrange was picked from 30 September until 14 October. It has a simple earthy bouquet that lacks fruit concentration, especially in direct comparison to 2011 and 2012. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins for the finish, pastille-like red fruit with no signs of greenness towards what is a lithe and pretty red cherry finish. Easy-drinking yet deserving a "pass" given the dreadful growing season. Tasted at the Lagrange vertical at the estate.
Tasted blind. Bright dark-cherry colour. Fragrant dark fruit. Lively and fresh. Juicy and just harmonious – a little tart on the finish. (JH)