Chateau La Lagune 2014

Château La Lagune is a historic Third Growth estate in the Haut-Médoc, classified in 1855 and owned by the Frey family since 2000. Its approximately 80-hectare vineyard occupies a gravelly ridge in Ludon-Médoc, where light gravel containing quartz, calcite and agates lies over deeper soils rich in silica. These well-drained soils are particularly suited to Cabernet Sauvignon, producing wines with freshness, structure and elegance. The vines range from 20 to 60 years old. Under Caroline Frey's direction, the estate progressively moved towards environmentally responsible viticulture, with the entire vineyard undergoing organic conversion during the 2014 vintage. The estate subsequently achieved organic certification from 2016 and biodynamic certification in 2021.

The 2014 is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot. The growing season was unsettled, with a cool, variable summer and a prolonged ripening period, but warm, dry and windy conditions through September and October allowed the grapes to reach good maturity. Harvesting took place by hand with careful selection and separate vinification of individual vineyard parcels. Extraction was measured to preserve the wine's elegance and balance, before ageing for around 12-14 months in French oak barrels, 50% of which were new. The wine combines cassis, blackberry and black cherry with cedar, tobacco, graphite, violet and subtle spice. Cabernet Sauvignon provides a firm but refined tannic structure, while fresh acidity and a long, savoury finish give the wine its classic Médoc character. An excellent match for roast beef, lamb, venison, duck and mature cheeses.