All Merlot from deep, blue clay soils (there are some gravelly parts as well), the 2022 Château Lagrange (Pomerol) reveals a ruby/plum hue to go with beautiful aromatics of chocolaty red and black fruits, leafy tobacco, and damp earth-like nuances. It’s rich, medium to full-bodied, has ripe tannins, and outstanding length.

The 2022 Lagrange has an intense nose with hoisin and blackcurrant scents, a little VA perhaps, though it calms down in the glass with touches of pencil box emerging. The palate is medium-bodied with soft tannins, though the acidity keeps this fresh and focused. Not the most powerful Saint-Julien but certainly one of the more elegant. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting in London.

The 2022 Lagrange has turned out nicely in bottle, offering up classic aromas of crème de cassis, plums and pencil shavings, framed by a deft touch of oak vanillin. Medium to full-bodied, dense and velvety, with lively acids and chalky tannins, it's an especially muscular, rich Lagrange that will reward a bit of patience.