Chateau La Lagune 2001, 2006, 2007
Made through the 1855 exercise, this classed Growth (3rd Growth) of 90 hectares, situated south of Margaux near Cantemerle, is now under the baton of Winemaker Caroline Frey, who uses winemaking techniques similar to those of Chateau Haut Brion to produce her aromatic and elegant Grand Cru Classe. Frey's natural approach, adapted to each plot, plays a fundamental role in the quality of the wines.
In her gravity-fed winery, perfectly mature grapes are sorted carefully before malolactic fermentation in thermo-regulated steel vats. Hence, the fruit quality is higher, and the wines taste gentler. Blended before ageing in 50 - 60% new French oak barrels for 18 months, La Lagune should taste creamy and spicy with a modern twist that is balanced and tailored by the maker for the market. The wine is racked several times to eliminate lees, and for refined ageing, so texture and length always exist. Also, using egg fining to remove harsh tannin particles, La Lagune wines are always elegant.
Following traditional winemaking methods, Frey maximized and improvised on the blending portion of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 10% Petit Verdot to create consistent complexities and impart peculiar character for each vintage. All three vintages(2001, 2006, 2007) did share a typical secondary and primary profile: floral, plummy, sweet-spiced, peppery, earthy, herbal, graphitic, and smoky, with tones of coffee and coconut. Awarded by us with 93 points, 2001IABV 13.5%) has peculiar freshness with ripe fruit- taste not as intense though- and is thoroughly enjoyable. Awarded GG93, 2006(ABV 13.5%) is elegant with ripe blackcurrant fruit- soft and restrained with resolved tannins-which leads to a gammey and an edging dry finish. Also, a GG93, 2007(ABV 13%) is easy to drink, lightish with ripe red fruit, rare amongst the hotter vintages.
Always an 'insider's wine', the La Lagune vineyard is certified organic and works towards biodynamic certification. The Frey family also owns multiple Chateaux, including Paul Jaboulet in Rhone and Corton André in Burgundy.
