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Lagrange (St Julien) 2005

St Julien, Third Growth

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Units Size Case size GBP Price: Quantities Buy
6 150cl Magnum Case 6 £680 per Case Case [Add to shopping basket]
Tasting Notes

The 2005 Lagrange comes across as somewhat masculine, tannic and austere. The oak is under control, which is always good to see, but the wine lacks charm and sweetness, although there is some nice concentration and body. Give it another 4-5 years and drink it over the next two decades.

Score: 87

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2019-2040 30 June 2015

Sweet, toasty, oaky notes interwoven with hints of black olives, blackberries, cassis, and spice box are found in this densely saturated ruby/purple-hued 2005. While rich, with impressive concentration and purity, it is also tannic, full-bodied, and painfully backward and foreboding. This is another long-term prospect that will require patience. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2027.

Score: 91

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2013-2027 30 April 2008

Different samples of Lagrange appeared to be at various stages of development, but none of them revealed the flamboyance and richness I tasted last year. The tannins are extremely high, but the wine is big, full-bodied, and slightly rustic with less oak than last year. There are plenty of olive, blackberry, cassis, and cedar characteristics as well as a hint of barbecue smoke, good freshness and precision, and a long, pure finish, but, wow, what an excruciatingly high level of tannin. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030?

Score: 91 - 93

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2015-2030 30 April 2007

Once again the provocative words "the best ever made" appear in my tasting notes. In twenty-eight years, I have never tasted a Lagrange as amazing as this 2005. Its dense ruby/purple color is accompanied by pure notes of creme de cassis, cedar, spice box, and a hint of cherries. Full-bodied, powerful, and opulent, with high tannin as well as extract in addition to great freshness, definition, and length, this long-lived beauty should be at its finest between 2012-2030.

Score: 92 - 94

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 30 April 2006

The Château Lagrange 2005 has an intense bouquet with cedar and graphite infusing the black fruit, nicely controlled and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin, well-judged acidity and a slightly reserved but delineated finish: dried herbs, cedar and a dash of white pepper sprinkled over the black fruit. This excellent Lagrange has to be one of the most consistently satisfying wines from the appellation. Another year, another satisfying Lagrange.

Score: 94

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2019-2045 15 February 2015

Tasted single blind at Southwold. A very fresh, well-defined nose with blackberry, damson, graphite and cedar - natural and elegant. The palate displays superb concentration even compared to the strong line-up of Saint Julien 2005s. Cedar and blackberry on the entry, a little earthiness that I have not notice previously but still that superb balance and focus with a harmonious finish. Succinct. Wonderful.

Score: 94

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2012-2030 01 July 2009

Medium red-ruby. Reticent but sweet nose offers plum, black cherry, minerals and bitter chocolate. Thick and powerful but with excellent vinosity and sweetness as well as a slightly exotic character to the red fruit and spice flavors. Deep, slow-mounting wine that builds impressively on the back end. The tannins here make those of the 2006 seem a bit rigid by comparison. I was struck by the thought that Lagrange has done consistently well in the last three vintages, and that each effort is an accurate reflection of its year. 91 points

Score: 91

Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar 01 May 2008

Currant, mineral, plum and light toasty oak follow through to a full body, with ultrasilky tannins and a long, caressing finish. This is thoroughly beautiful. Superbalanced and very pretty. Best after 2011. 24,165 cases made.

Score: 93

James Suckling, Wine Spectator 31 March 2008

Brilliant pinkish crimson. Rather simple fruit and no great structure. Nothing at all wrong with this but in the context of the vintage it’s a bit dull and lacking energy.

Score: 16

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2013-2022 10 April 2006

A consistent performer in recent years, Lagrange produces good and reliable St Julien at a relatively modest price, and the 2000 and 2003 were extraordinary achievements. The Merlots were of excellent quality; dense and fat with unctuous tannins, and so while rich and concentrated, the 2005 has the lowest proportion of Cabernet for years - 46%, with 45% Merlot with 9% Petit Verdot and represents 43% of the production. Deep rich, ruby colour with ripe cherry fruit and mineral character. Good solid berry fruit at its center and very mouthfilling with great texture and intensity and some herbal eucalyptus character on the finish.

Score: -

Albany Vintners, - 01 April 2006

Château Lagrange St.-Julien 2005 92-94 Aromas of currants, berries, licorice and spice. Full-bodied and very velvety, with wonderful, high quality tannins. Long finish. Balanced and classy.

Score: -

Albany Vintners, - 01 January 1900