LES FIEFS DE LAGRANGE 2020

Fiefs de Lagrange

Comments

Established in 1985 following the acquisition of the Château by the Suntory group, this second wine is produced from vineyards that are on average 30 years old and are planted on soils composed of fine gravel for the Cabernet Sauvignon and clay for some Merlots.

This wine receives the same level of care as the Grand Vin, with a focus on achieving maturity and concentration in the vineyard, parcel-by-parcel vinification, and aging that is tailored to its tannic structure.

Lagrange

Château Comments

On the 157 hectares of the estate, 118 are planted with vines on a soil of gravel, sometimes fine, sometimes coarser, accompanied by sand and ferruginous clay. The quality of this third classified growth has been steadily improving since 1983, and it is now among the best in Saint-Julien. It has an aromatic nose and a firm, structured palate that is bursting with aromas of blackcurrant (from the cabernet sauvignon), chocolate, leather, and spices.

History of the Château

The estate's history begins with the Templars, who introduced a viticultural focus to the domain, previously known as "La Grangia". However, it was during the 18th century that the estate gained its reputation. In 1712, the castle belonged to the Brane family, who owned several estates, including the famous Brane-Mouton (later Mouton-Rothschild). The estate then passed through several owners, with Count Duchâtel at the helm in 1855 when it achieved the rank of Third Grand Cru Classé. However, Thomas Jefferson himself unofficially bestowed this prestigious ranking during his tour of Bordeaux in 1785.
Between 1842 and 1874, the estate spanned 280 hectares, including 120 of vineyards. The estate was bought by Mr. de Muicy Louys in 1874. Successive crises (Phylloxera, mildew, wars) forced him to parcel out this vast estate. Two Spanish Basques, Manuel Cendoya and Jose Telleria took over the estate in 1925. They fought to keep the estate afloat, but the quality of the wine never returned to its 19th-century peak.
The Japanese group Suntory took over the estate in 1983. Armed with solid financial resources, they rebuilt the estate, which had dwindled to just 57 hectares of vineyards. After more than twenty years of hard work, human and technical investments, Lagrange has regained its fullness and the recognition of its peers. This Third Grand Cru Classé amazes the senses with its powerful, full-bodied, and concentrated style.

<b>Today ...</b>

Nowadays, a new duo composed of Matthieu Bordes and Keiichi Shiina leads the estate. The pursuit of excellence continues today with a modernization of production methods towards greater respect for the environment and a constant evolution of the expression of this wonderful terroir.