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Château Lagrange 2014 is a testament to the steady hand and quiet confidence of this classic Saint-Julien estate. From a vintage celebrated for its clarity of fruit and structural finesse, Lagrange presents itself with both energy and poise. The colour is a deep, youthful ruby, promising vibrancy. On the nose, the wine is expressive, with layers of cassis, black cherry, and violets, alongside more subtle hints of graphite, cedar, and a gentle smokiness. The palate is medium to full-bodied, marked by a core of ripe black fruit, finely grained tannins, and a lively acidity that brings freshness and length. The oak is well integrated, adding polish without obscuring the wine’s classic Saint-Julien minerality and balance. The finish is long and persistent, with echoes of dark fruit, earth, and a touch of savoury spice.
Critical response to Lagrange 2014 has been consistently positive. Jane Anson described it as “one of the best-value buys from the appellation in this vintage,” noting its balance and potential for graceful ageing. Antonio Galloni praised its “energy and focus,” while James Suckling gave it 93 points for its “purity, depth, and impressive structure.” The consensus is that this is a classic, ageworthy Lagrange, approachable now but with the stuffing to improve over the next decade or more.
With an alcohol content of 13.5%, Château Lagrange 2014 sits comfortably in the modern Bordeaux spectrum, offering both power and freshness. At your price of HK$395 per bottle, it compares favourably to the current Wine Searcher global average of HK$350–HK$420 per bottle (as of August 2026; prices vary by region and retailer, approximate conversion from USD). This positions Lagrange as a compelling choice among Saint-Julien’s classically styled wines.
Château Lagrange, classified as a Third Growth (Troisième Cru) in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, is renowned for its consistency and restraint, and has been under the ownership of Suntory since 1983. The 2014 vintage stands as a fine example of the estate’s ability to deliver precision, depth, and harmony, serving as both a tribute to tradition and a promise for the future.
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Château Laroze 2002 is a wine that speaks softly but leaves a lasting impression. Emerging from a vintage often described as classic rather than exuberant, this Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé has matured into a poised and graceful expression of its terroir. In the glass, it displays a translucent garnet hue, hinting at its evolution. The bouquet is delicate yet persistent, with red cherries, dried rose petals, and a subtle earthiness mingling with notes of tobacco and old leather. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and silky, its tannins now fully resolved. Flavours of fresh and dried red fruit intermingle with gentle spice and a whisper of cedar, while the finish is elegant, lingering with a touch of minerality that recalls the limestone soils of Saint-Émilion. And 2002 is rare to come by in 2026. Some would say this is too old for them, but I did enjoy it, understanding she has 24 years behind her.
Critical attention to Château Laroze 2002 has been restrained, much like the wine itself, but those who have revisited it in maturity note its harmony and understated complexity. Neal Martin has remarked on its "classic structure and attractive secondary aromas," while Jancis Robinson, tasting it at nearly two decades old, appreciated its "graceful ageing and quiet persistence." The consensus is that Laroze 2002 is not a showstopper but a contemplative wine, best appreciated by those who value subtlety and a sense of place over sheer power.
With an alcohol content of 12.5%, Château Laroze 2002 reflects the balance and restraint of its era. In terms of value, your price of HK$250 per bottle stands attractively below the current Wine Searcher global average of HK$320–HK$380 per bottle (as of August 2026; prices vary by region and retailer, approximate conversion from USD). This positions Laroze as a smart choice for those seeking mature Bordeaux without the collector’s premium.
Château Laroze, established in 1882 and classified as a Grand Cru Classé, is situated at the foot of the Saint-Émilion plateau. Now run by the Meslin family, descendants of the original founders, the estate has quietly upheld traditional methods alongside thoughtful modernisation. The 2002 vintage, with its gentle maturity and refined character, stands as a testament to Laroze’s philosophy: that true greatness is often found in elegance and patience rather than intensity or acclaim.
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La Dame de Montrose 2017 emerges from the glass with poise and quiet confidence. Often considered the more approachable and supple sibling to the grand vin of Montrose, this second wine has, in 2017, captured the vintage's strengths and shaped them into a wine of remarkable balance. The colour is a deep, youthful garnet. Aromatically, it opens with an inviting bouquet of blackcurrant, plum, and violets, underscored by graphite and a gentle hint of cedar. On the palate, La Dame 2017 is precise and finely structured—medium-bodied, with polished tannins and a core of fresh, vibrant dark fruit. There is a subtle thread of minerality and a lift of acidity that keeps everything focused, while notes of spice and tobacco add complexity without overwhelming the fruit. The finish is persistent and graceful, echoing the estate’s Saint-Estèphe pedigree but with a softer, more accessible touch.
Critical response to La Dame de Montrose 2017 has been quietly admiring. Jane Anson awarded it 92 points, praising its "elegant fruit, floral lift, and bright precision." Antonio Galloni described it as "one of the sleepers of the vintage," noting its vibrancy and approachability, while James Suckling found it “polished, with attractive dark berries and fine tannins,” giving it 92 points. The critics agree on its charm and drinkability, if not on depth or grandeur—the consensus is that this is a wine to enjoy in its relative youth, rather than cellar for decades.
At 13.5% alcohol, La Dame de Montrose 2017 sits comfortably within the modern Bordeaux spectrum, offering both freshness and structure. In terms of value, your price of HK$390 compares to the Wine Searcher global average of HK$320–HK$400 per bottle (as of August 2026; prices vary by region and retailer, approximate conversion from USD). While not the estate’s flagship, La Dame’s performance in 2017 is a testament to the rigor and precision of Montrose’s team, even in a challenging year.
La Dame de Montrose is the second wine of Château Montrose, one of Saint-Estèphe’s most illustrious properties and classified as a Second Growth (Deuxième Cru) in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. Crafted from younger vines and parcels not selected for the grand vin, La Dame offers a more accessible, early-drinking expression of the Montrose terroir—yet one that, in vintages like 2017, can approach the elegance and refinement of its celebrated sibling.
