Chateau La Lagune 2016

Under Henry IV, Dutch engineers began draining swamp and marshes around Bordeaux. This is when the estate began. The actual Chateau building began in 1715 and finished in 1734. A that time, the de Seze family owned the estate. The remaining in control for several generations. During the 1855 classification, it was classified as a 3rd growth. Jumping ahead to 1958 when Georges Brunet purchased the estate, there were only 5 hectares of vines. He began a program to restore the property, both by replanting vineyards and also purchasing neighboring estates. In 1962, he was forced to sell to the Ducellier family. In 1999, the chateau was sold to the Frey Family. Currently Caroline Frey is in control at the Chateau.

The 90 hectare vineyard of Chateau La Lagune usually has 85 hectares of vines planted to 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot. The Estate is much larger covering nearly 150 hectares.

Wine Advocate: 92
The 2016 la Lagune has a medium garnet-purple color and nose of intense cassis, warm cherries, redcurrants and spice box with earth and bay leaves in the undercurrent. The medium-bodied, earth-laced palate is plush and lively, finishing long.

Decanter: 92
This is La Lagune's first certified organic vintage. It's considerably closed compared to when tasted at en primeur; still highly recommended but needs time in bottle. Tight cassis notes are joined by bilberry, black autumnal fruits and some tarry oak. It's a powerful wine with noticeable oak, extremely full tannins and earthy notes. A little raw at present, the high acidity gives a juicy impact. It's matured in 50% new oak, and fined but not filtered before bottling with minimal added SO2. Axel Vallet consults. Drinking Window 2024 - 2040.

Decanter: 92

This is La Lagune's first certified organic vintage. It's considerably closed compared to when tasted at en primeur; still highly recommended but needs time in bottle. Tight cassis notes are joined by bilberry, black autumnal fruits and some tarry oak. It's a powerful wine with noticeable oak, extremely full tannins and earthy notes. A little raw at present, the high acidity gives a juicy impact. It's matured in 50% new oak, and fined but not filtered before bottling with minimal added SO2. Axel Vallet consults. Drinking Window 2024 - 2040.

Jeb Dunnuck: 92
This is a great vintage for this terrific Haut-Médoc estate, and the 2016 Château La Lagune is well worth a case purchase. Complex notes of dark fruits, cedar, cigar tobacco, and hints of saddle leather all flow to a medium to full-bodied, perfectly balanced 2016 that has sweet tannins and a great finish. It will keep for 25-30 years.