CH LAGRANGE ST JULIEN 2020

2020, a unique year in so many ways, will forever remain in our memories. Our work routines were upset by the pandemic and our capacity to adapt to the situation, and stay on track, was essential both for the property and the staff. As in 2019, we had record annual rainfall. The mild winter provoked an early budburst and this advance continued right through to the harvest. The grapes were small, with skins rich in polyphenols. The Merlots are magnificent, boasting an opulence accentuated by the historically low yields. The decision was made to stop for 4 days before picking the Cabernets, to allow the tannins and aromas to develop to perfection : this variety brings power, freshness and length to the wines. The 2020 is a vintage of contrasts, a vine grower’s vintage. We harvested the smallest crop in 30 years. The extraordinary freshness in this wine, produced in the hottest vintage in modern history, is real proof of the buffer effect of our terroir. The precision of the fruit transpires, with lovely notes of black cherry, blackcurrant and liquorice. The tense tannic structure is reminiscent of the great 2010, with a more creamy, smoother mid-palate. A truly classic vintage that will be enjoyable earlier yet maintain a remarkable aging potential. A focused, finely tuned, expressive wine showing great purity.