Sips & Pieces: A Little Bit About Bordeaux

Château Lagrange Saint-Julien 2016

Wow, these six weeks on Substack have been invigorating! A sincere thanks to all of my subscribers. And a special note of gratitude to Wine With Wanda readers who have upgraded to a paid subscription. I raise a glass to each of you. And this week, that toast comes from a bottle of Château Lagrange Saint-Julien 2016 ($90).

These chilly winter nights are absolutely made for an elegant Bordeaux that wraps around you like a luxurious cashmere blanket. A few years ago, everyone started writing about red wine blends as if they were some new-fangled invention, but Bordeaux has long mastered the art of blending.

Lagrange 2016 harmoniously blends Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), Merlot (24%), and Petit Verdot (6%). It is rich but not sticky, jammy, oaky, or harsh. It is a master class in the power of restraint in winemaking. I was quite sad when I reached the last drop.

Looking closely at the label, you’ll notice that it says “Grand Cru Classé en 1855.” In 1855, under the direction of Napoleon III, the wineries of Bordeaux were classified into five tiers based on the price and reputation of the wines, with the 1st Growths (1er Cru Classé) being the top of the pyramid. Iconic 1st Growth wines include Cháteau Lafite Rothschild and Chateau Margaux. In 1855, Lagrange was classified as a Third Growth (3ème Cru Classé).

According to Vins de Bordeaux, “It should be emphasized that a wine or appellation can still be outstanding even if it is not a part of these classifications!” I agree 100%. Over the years, I’ve tasted excellent Bordeaux wines at all price points, with and without classification. If you want to learn more about Bordeaux classifications, Wine Folly is a good starting point.

As you can see, this one bottle of Château Lagrange took my palate and my mind on a journey. And now I’m daydreaming about visiting their gorgeous estate. That’s the power of a great bottle of wine!