Lagrange Saint-Julien 2020 Bottle size: 750ml

‘Coming from depressingly low yields of just 26 hectoliters per hectare (the lowest since 1991), the 2020 Chateau Lagrange checks in as 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot that was raised in 60% new French oak. It's a gorgeous, complete Saint-Julien offering remarkable purity in its cassis, violets, chocolate, and leafy tobacco-like aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, with terrific balance, a pure, focused mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and beautifully integrated oak, it's going to benefit from 4-6 years of bottle age and cruise over the following 2+ decades in cold cellar. Best After 2027.’ – Jeb Dunnuck, 95/100

‘An enjoyable Lagrange, with a feeling of well-measured confidence, balanced and plenty of dark cassis and bilberry fruits. Serious, as is often the case with these 2020 wines, clearly one that needs time, but there is slate and fresh mint leaf in abundance, with grip and confident tannic architecture. 50% less volume than usual after the dry summer. An upscore from En Primeur. 2030-2042’ – Jane Anson, janeanson.com, 94/100

‘The 2020 Lagrange is fabulous, just as it was from barrel. Super-ripe dark cherry, plum, mocha, licorice, cedar and new leather are all amplified in this gorgeous, striking Saint-Julien. Soft and racy, with no hard edges and exceptional balance, Lagrange is a winner. 2026-2045’ – Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 94/100

‘Attractive nose of blackberries, blackcurrants, walnuts, ink and kaffir leaves. It’s medium- to full-bodied, firm and structured, with chewy and tight tannins. Dark and intense, with a long and persistent finish. Turns to graphite and cedar. Needs time to open and soften.’ – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, 94/100

‘This wine, with its red plum and spice flavors has an initial smoothness that is belied by the wine's dry, firm core. Its dark tannins are there to ensure a fine future.’ – Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, 94/100

‘A perky, bright and enjoyable Lagrange, showing some angularity and austerity to the tannins but at the same time it is bright with clarity of direction, firm and concentrated fruits and juicy on the finish. A little subdued, but this is a quality Lagrange with extremely carefully placed fine tannins and fruit - it shows the essence of St-Julien balance, and one that will not need the full 10 years to come around. 50% less volume than usual.’ – Jane Anson, Decanter, 93/100