There are places where time seems to stand still, where technical precision never overshadows the soul of a wine. Château Lagrange, a Third Classified Growth of Saint-Julien, is undeniably one of them.
Forty years after its acquisition by Suntory in 1983, Xavier Thuizat returns to the Médoc estate that helped shape his career: “I put Lagrange on the wine list because I came here”, he says.
As the estate marks four decades of its Japanese chapter, it continues to celebrate excellence. The vineyard, unchanged in its parcel structure for 400 years, remains a model of unity: 110 of its 118 hectares, all in a single block encircling the château, are currently under vine. “The terroir is unique, almost dizzying”, explains managing director and oenologist Matthieu Bordes. Rising to 24 metres, an impressive height by Saint-Julien standards, this land of gravelly, stony soils is the perfect cradle for Cabernet Sauvignon.
Innovation is everywhere, yet always discreet. The century-old vat room now houses 102 tanks for 103 plots, proof of the estate’s unwavering commitment to precision. Co-inoculation, mastered since 2005, reduces the estate’s energy footprint. “Everything is designed to respect life and ensure the wine’s longevity”, Xavier adds.
The estate has a surprise in store: a limited-edition anniversary magnum, crafted from the original 56 hectares that were under vine when Suntory arrived, vinified, however, using today’s most advanced techniques. A tribute to the past, and a clear vision for the future. This time capsule honours tradition while propelling Lagrange into tomorrow. A wine of character, vitality, and faithful to its origins, it encapsulates the estate’s spirit. The finesse of Lagrange 2021, the mineral vibrancy of Lagrange 2022, or the silky sensuality of Fiefs de Lagrange 2009 all reaffirm the estate’s core identity: Saint-Julien at its most refined and expressive.
Between Médoc tradition and Japanese precision, Château Lagrange embodies true harmony. And in the words of passionate witness Xavier Thuizat: “There’s a special energy here, this brilliance, this finesse, this freshness that I find in every wine. It’s pure class”.
At Lagrange, excellence isn’t proclaimed, it’s cultivated, vintage after vintage, with discretion, discipline… and joy.
Florence Corbalan
