Château La Lagune, Haut-Médoc Rouge, Bordeaux, France, 2012

Overview of the Wine
Chateau La Lagune has a long history that dates all the way back to the 16th century, under King Henri IV. This was at the same time the Dutch engineers began the modern age for Bordeaux when they started draining the water from the marshes and swamps. The beautiful, classically styled chateau took decades to build, with construction beginning in about 1715, and finishing in 1734.

The chateau was designed by the architect, Baron Victor Louis, who earned fame for his design of the Grand Theater in Bordeaux. By 1730, Chateau La Lagune was already known for producing Bordeaux wine. The property remained under the ownership of the well-known de Seze family for several generations.

The best parts of the vineyard are found on the plateau of their 4, sloping gravel, hillsides. The peak elevation on the slopes reaches 15 meters. As you might expect, the concentration of the gravel is at the top of the slopes. You find more sand as travel further down the hills onto the flats.

They also maintain parcels they purchased in 1964, which are located due east, which is gravel and sand over clay soils. Compared with their neighbors, they have a slightly warmer-micro climate, allowing them to be one of the earlier estates to finish harvesting.

Grape / Blend
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot

Origin
Haut-Médoc, France 

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Aromatically enchanting and well-structured, displaying an elegance and refinement on par with a great Margaux. There are 72 hectares of vineyards planted with Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) Merlot (20%) Cabernet Franc (10%) and Petit Verdot (10%). The grapes are fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks and the wine is then aged in oak barriques (70-80% new) for 15-18 months.

92 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 
This is an excellent effort from this estate at the southern end of the Medoc. A tell-tale, seductive, round, medium to full-bodied style is present in this forward, precocious, delicious wine with plenty of charm and finesse. Medium-bodied with sweet tannin and plenty of toasty, black currant and loamy soil notes intermixed with hints of spice box and vanillin are present in this nicely textured, complete, attractive effort. Drink it over the next 12-15 years.

 Product size: 750ml