Lagrange (St Julien) 2019

The 2019 Lagrange has an open-knit, classic Saint-Julien nose with black fruit, chimney soot, tobacco and a light sprinkling of white pepper. There is a little more earthiness here. The palate is understated and fleshy, gentle grip, more approachable than its peers, pure but without the same grip and backbone on the finish. Very seductive. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.

Score: 95

Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2025-2050 01 February 2023

The 2019 Lagrange was picked from 24 September and finished with the Petit Verdot on 14 October - the longest harvest at 27 days. It has quite a dense, powerful bouquet with black fruit, sous-bois and cedar, taking its time to open but somehow remaining more “distant” than previous vintages of Lagrange. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, layers of black fruit with just a light citric touch. Quite a streamlined Lagrange in the context of a warm growing season, this feels agile and nimble on the finish. Excellent.

Score: 94 - 96

Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2025-2055 16 June 2020

Inky, glass-staining in colour, this is richly textured and intense, easily rivalling the best ever vintages at the property. Filled with creamy damson and cassis fruit, with a sense of precision and restraint to the frame, held in by fine but plentiful tannins. 30% 1st wine, highest ever Cabenet Sauvignon, 50% new oak for ageing. An exceptional wine, marking 125 years since the founding of Suntory in Japan. Eric Boissenot consultant.

Score: 96

Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2027-2048 23 March 2022

Dark plum in colour, medium intensity, this is sleek, well-defined and has an extremely pure expression of cassis fruit. Just enormously elegant, with tons of St Julien balance, and fine tannins that are sure to take it through the next few decades with ease. I love this wine, one of the most enjoyable of the vintage in St Julien, with a strikingly seductive texture. Tasted twice two weeks apart, sure to become a standout with some bottle age. When you look at the figures (which I only did after tasting) you start to understand why this is so good - highest level of Cabernet in the estate's recent history, longest harvest ever through to October 14, and only 1/3 of overall production in the 1st wine, lowest amount to date. Whatever they are doing, they are getting it right.

Score: 95

Jane Anson, Decanter.com Maturity: 2027-2045 11 May 2020

The 2019 Lagrange is a dark, sumptuous wine endowed with tremendous textural resonance and pure power. Cedar, sweet tobacco, dried leaves, leather and licorice all add nuance to a core of ripe red cherry and red plum fruit. I especially admire Lagrange's depth in 2019.

Score: 92 - 94

Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com 01 June 2020

The 2019 Lagrange (Pomerol) has a deep garnet-purple color and a decadently scented nose of stewed plums, baked black cherries and fruitcake plus hints of spice box, star anise, tobacco leaf and bouquet garni with a waft of chargrill. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is completely filled with opulent black fruits, supported by soft, approachable tannins and lovely freshness, finishing long and spicy.

Score: 90 - 92

Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 18 June 2020

A red with dark fruit and plenty of dark chocolate, as well as spice undertones. Full body. Juicy finish. Extremely balanced and refined.

Score: 93 - 94

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 20 May 2020