Lagrange - Saint-Julien 1997

Wine Advocate

90 / 100

byNeal Martinthe8/11/2014

Tasted at the château for a 30-year vertical tasting. The 1997 Lagrange is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and 17% Petit Verdot. This is the most mature bouquet to show vestiges of primary fruit, which is surprising considering the vintage. But there are some attractive blackberry mixed in with the scents of sandalwood, Havana cigar and leather. The palate is medium-bodied with fine and supple tannins, well-judged acidity and a pleasing, understated finish that offers more vigour than you might presuppose. This is drinking beautifully now and should be considered a great success for the estate, a wine that seems to improve every time we meet. Drink now-2022. Tasted March 2014.

Wine Advocate

85 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2000

Light to medium-bodied, with spicy oak, red currant and cherry fruit, this well-made, lightly tannic effort will provide uncritical drinking over the next 5-7 years.

Wine Spectator

88 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe1/31/2000

Pretty licorice and currant aromas. Medium-bodied, with silky tannins and a medium finish. Well-crafted. Drink now through 2004.

Wine Advocate

86-87 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/1999

This dense ruby/purple-colored wine is soft, ripe, and medium-bodied with herbaceous, weedy, black currant fruit, low acidity, and smoky, toasty oak. Round, ripe, and charming, it will drink well between now and 2008.

Wine Advocate

86-88 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/1998

Tasted three separate times with consistent notes, Lagrange's 1997 exhibits a dark ruby/purple color, copious quantities of toasty new oak in its aromas, medium body, more structure and tannin than many of its peers, and a pure, oak/cassis-driven flavor profile. This wine may not be as fat or low in acidity as others, but it is plump and soft. It should turn out to be a very good to excellent Lagrange that will be at its best between 2000-2012.