A Haut-Médoc that should be snatched up by readers, the 2022 Château La Lagune is a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated Haut-Médoc that includes a solid chunk of Merlot. Fabulous currants, leafy tobacco, cedar pencil, and spicy notes all define this ultra-classic, pure, medium to full-bodied beauty, which has ample mid-palate depth, a pure, layered mouthfeel, and ultra-fine tannins. It will benefit from 4-6 years in the cellar and have 2-3 decades of overall longevity.

The 2022 La Lagune feels a little overripe on the nose, tobacco mixed with light figgy scents, but improves greatly with aeration, becoming quite Graves-like in style. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe tannins, a dash of white pepper and bay, building with a sense of confidence towards the finish. Give this three or four years in bottle. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting in London.

Notes of cassis, licorice, sweet berries and flowers preface the 2022 La Lagune, a medium to full-bodied, layered and enveloping wine with a broad attack, velvety tannins and a sweet core of fruit. This is a real success.