Les Fiefs de Lagrange 2014

The freshness and fruity expression of a Saint-Julien Second Wine

The estate

Château Lagrange is one of the iconic names in 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, attaining 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, combined with the arrival of a dynamic team, Château Lagrange has risen to the top in Médoc wine.

Les Fiefs de Lagrange is Château Lagrange’s Second Wine.

The vineyard

Château Lagrange 2014 is a Saint-Julien wine from a 111-hectare vineyard. The vineyard enjoys a superb location on two gravelly hilltops. The vines, which are on average 30 years old, are planted on silica-gravel soils with a clay-limestone subsoil and face north-south. The vineyard's climate is temperate and oceanic in nature.

The vintage

An early budburst followed a mild winter. The weather in 2014 was unstable, with thunderstorms and heavy rainfall during the summer. The last two weeks of July were hot and dry. The end of August saw the arrival of sunshine and heat for 5 weeks. Harvesting began on 25 September for Merlot and 7 October for Cabernet Sauvignon, and finished on 17 October.

Winemaking and ageing

Harvest and sorting done by hand. The batches are classified according to terroir, vine age and grape ripeness. Vinification at 28°C over a period of 15 days to 3 weeks, accompanied by moderate daily pumping over, délestage or pigeage. Malolactic fermentation by co-inoculation. Aged for 13 months in air-conditioned barrels (20% of which are new), with the bung on top, for six months, with three ullages a week. Ageing with the bung removed, followed by racking every three months.

Blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (52%), Merlot (41%) and Petit Verdot (7%).

Characteristics and tasting tips for Les Fiefs de Lagrange 2014

Tasting

Colour
The wine has a beautiful, bold red colour with crimson highlights.

Nose
A fruity nose stands out for its blackcurrant and cherry notes. Licorice and pepper scents can also be detected.

Palate
Smooth and sleek, the attack reveals a creamy, elegant structure. The palate has a delightful freshness, round tannins and intense scent of red fruit drawing out to a lingering finish.

Storage

This Saint-Julien wine can be laid down until around 2027.