Château Lagrange, Saint-Julien (Médoc, Bordeaux, France) 2015

($55):  The 2015 vintage for red Bordeaux is, by and large, wonderful.  In general, the wines deliver ripe flavors accompanied by sufficient structure  — tannins and acidity — that prevent them from falling all over themselves.  Château Lagrange, which has just gone from strength to strength over the last two decades, made an impressive wine in 2015.  A lovely herbal component balances the red and black fruit flavors.  The structure is apparent and welcome without intruding.  Its charm and grandeur are apparent in its graceful finish.  Yes, it’s enjoyable now, but this wine should evolve gracefully over the next decade or two so save room in the cellar.  Château Lagrange is always one of the best values among the Grand Cru Classé of Bordeaux, and the 205 is no exception, because it is a large estate and it still fails to have the reputation that it deserves.  With wines like their 2015, that situation won’t last for long.
93 Michael Apstein Nov 27, 2018