Château Lagrange 2022

The depth and fruity structure of a Saint-Julien Grand Cru Classé

The estate

Château Lagrange is one of the iconic names of the Saint-Julien appellation. The estate's origins date back to Gallo-Roman times, when it was home to the "Villa Rustica." The Order of the Knights Templar later initiated the estate's winegrowing activities. Château Lagrange enjoyed a golden age in the 18th century and attained the title of 3rd Cru Classé in the Official Classification of 1855. In 1983, Château Lagrange became part of the Japanese Suntory group and its chairman Keizo Saji. Following a major programme of renovation and investment, and the arrival of a dynamic team, Château Lagrange has risen to the top of Médoc wines.

The vineyard

Château Lagrange 2022 is a Saint-Julien wine produced from a 118-hectare single vineyard. The vineyard enjoys a superb location on two gravelly hilltops. The vines, which are on average 45 years old, are planted on silica-gravel soils with a clay-limestone subsoil. The vineyard has a temperate, oceanic climate.

The vintage

The 2022 vintage stands out for its contrasting rainfall patterns. A mild, dry winter preceded a warm, wet spring. The high temperatures in May enabled the vines to develop rapidly. Rain in June enabled the vineyards to withstand the summer drought. Despite low yields, the grapes are of excellent quality.

Winemaking and ageing

The grapes were harvested by hand, as was the first sorting, followed by a second with an optical camera. Selection by plot and within a plot. The 103 plots of vines are vinified in 102 temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. Batches are classified according to terroir, vine age and grape ripeness. Vinification is temperature-controlled at between 26 and 28°C for 18 to 25 days, with moderate daily pumping-over, délestage or pigeage. Malolactic fermentation by co-inoculation. Aged for 21 months in barrels (60% new).

Blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (86%)
Merlot (12%)
Petit Verdot (2%).

Characteristics and tasting tips for Château Lagrange 2022

Tasting

Lively and full-bodied, this vintage delights with its freshness and fruity structure, with notes of blackcurrant, morello cherry and pear. Aromas of liquorice and pepper draw out harmoniously to a long finish.

Storage

This Saint-Julien wine can be laid down until 2055.