This property, situated on the northern border of the plateau of Pomerol close to many illustrious neighbors, was purchased by the Ets. Jean-Pierre Moueix in 1953 from M. Pecresse, also owner of Château Trotanoy. The vineyard is planted on heavy clay soils, allowing the Merlot grapes their best expression. The vineyard work is meticulous, with a hand-harvest completed in a few hours once the grapes are perfectly ripe. The wine is vinified in thermo-regulated concrete tanks, before being aged in oak barrels. Supple, round, generous and fruit-driven, Château Lagrange is a delightful expression of the lighter style of Pomerol wines, approachable in its youth. In thermo-regulated concrete and stainless-steel vats. Gentle & controlled maceration & extraction. Ageing 6-18 months in French oak barrels (40% new). 2015 James Suckling 93-94: A tight and silky red with lovely blackberry and walnut shell character. Full body, firm and silky tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Gorgeous balance. Mostly merlot with a touch of cabernet franc. Falstaff 92-94: Dark ruby, purple reflections, discreet bright rim. Delicate herbal savouriness underlying ripe plum aromas, a hint of chocolate, subtle cherry, still somewhat restrained. Elegant, balanced, pleasant fruit, fine well-integrated tannins, persistent, a nougat echo, it has good development potential. 2016 Wine Advocate 90: Made up of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, the 2016 Lagrange (Pomerol) is medium garnet-purple in color and reveals notes of kirsch, warm red plums and blackberry compote with touches of garrigue, black olives and wild thyme. Medium-bodied with a firm backbone of grainy tannins and loads of freshness lifting the savory and red fruit flavors, it finishes on an earthy note. James Suckling 92: A bigger-framed wine from beginning to end, here we get those fleshy Pomerol fruits on full display. Attractive fleshy damson and cherry fruits fade a little on the finish, to be replaced by soft cappuccino and tar notes which add a seductive swirl. 2017 Wine Advocate 89-91: The medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Lagrange (Pomerol) is 100% Merlot and opens with a seriously plummy nose with a compelling undercurrent of spice cake, potpourri and chocolate box plus a waft of sage. Medium-bodied, taut and muscular with a rugged frame of chewy tannins and lively acid, it finishes with an energizing herbal lift. James Suckling 93: A very linear yet creamy red with blueberries and hints of stone and cement. Medium to full body. Firm, silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Tight, focused flavors and structure. Better after 2022. 2018 James Suckling 94: Extremely perfumed and refined with black olives and cherries. Floral undertones. Full-bodied, yet reserved. Stone and dry-earth character to the dark fruit on the palate. Juicy and creamy-textured finish. Best after 2025. Decanter 92: A succulent and ripe expression of the fruit, with mocha, chocolate and dark pepper spice. Still getting a trace of heat through the finish. There is clear balance here but it is a big-shouldered wine. 2019 James Suckling 92: Pretty and floral with ash and dried earth. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and a fresh, fine-textured finish. Try after 2025. Decanter 92: Firm and slightly subdued tannins that build fairly quickly over the palate. There is an austerity and a clear liquorice wash over the cassis and blackberry fruits that should soften and fill out over ageing. 30% new oak. 2021 James Suckling 92-93: A firm and silky wine with finesse and beauty. Medium body. Medium, round tannins. Juicy finish. Subtle. Vinous 89-91: The 2021 (Lagrange Pomerol) comes across as a bit linear in this vintage. There is plenty of drive, but perhaps a bit less in the way of mid-palate generosity. Bright citrus and floral accents lend energy throughout. It will be interesting to see if the 2021 gains a touch more volume with élevage. Decanter 91: Fragrant blackcurrants on the nose, softly perfumed and so attractive. Plums, damsons, raspberries and red cherries. Lightly framed on the palate, soft and gently round with such precision and clarity, fine sleek tannins and a backbone of liquorice, dark chocolate, graphite, chalk and smoked blackcurrants giving such depth on the mid palate. A brooding style, stopping short of being spicy but with a touch of cinnamon, vanilla and cedar on the finish. I love the cooling finish and overall tone of this. 2022 Wine Advocate 90-92: Aromas of rich berries, cherries, spices and truffles introduce the 2022 Lagrange (Pomerol), a medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy wine that's deep and layered, its sweet core of fruit framed by powdery tannins. James Suckling 95-96: Very firm and focused with silky tannins, which are driven and intense. Full-bodied yet reserved and polished. Impressive finish for the estate with chocolate and light coffee bean. Pure merlot. Vinous 90-92: The 2022 Lagrange is a charming, forward Pomerol, notwithstanding tannins that need élevage to come together. Cedar, sweet pipe tobacco, spice, leather and dried herbs lend notable aromatic presence to this mid- weight, charming Pomerol from the Jean-Pierre Mouiex family. Decanter 92: Smells nicely floral and aromatic, scented and fruity. Cool fresh acidity and fleshy red and blue fruits with ample, grippy tannins initially, all lovely elements, but then it loses some push and persistence. Tannins are at the fore, and do most of the talking, even though they're nicely compact with detail as well as richness. Falstaff 94: Deep dark ruby garnet colour with opaque core and purple reflections, subtle brightening on the rim. Ripe plums, blackberry confit, orange zest in the background, inviting bouquet. Juicy and fresh, red cherries, mineral, discreet fruitiness on the finish, good length, secure ageing potential. Wine Enthusiast 92: Ripe, full-bodied Merlot gives a fine setting for the black fruits. It is a wine robed in fruit around a solid core of tannins.
