Le Haut Medoc De Lagrange 2016

Introduction

Le Haut-Médoc de Lagrange 2016 is a red wine from France, specifically from the Bordeaux region and the Haut-Médoc appellation. The wine is a cuvée produced by the historic Château Lagrange, a Third Growth in the Classification of 1855, which is located in the Saint-Julien commune of the Left Bank. Grapes have been grown at Château Lagrange for over 600 years. The wine's creation applies the same expertise and philosophy as the Château's Grand Vin, and it is made from vines neighbouring the main Saint-Julien domain.

Wine Description

This red wine is draped in a dark ruby or deep dark ruby colour. The aromatic profile is expressive, gourmand, and complex, featuring notes of fresh red and black fruits, such as black cherry and blackcurrant. Further nuances include liquorice, menthol, cloves, gingerbread, and a characteristic balsamic touch. Tasting notes also include black fruit, cassis, cedar, dark chocolate, graphite, and vanilla.

The blend is typically dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, with 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot reported in some instances. The wine is full-bodied. On the palate, it is silken, smooth, almost unctuous, with well-coated, round tannins that deploy a good balance. Stylistically, it is a very harmonious and balanced wine that seduces with the elegance characteristic of the vintage. It has a lively mouthfeel. The wine spent 12 months aging in oak barrels. The finish is lovely, long, and flavourful. The alcohol by volume (ABV) is $13\%$. Enjoyable now, the wine will continue to evolve gracefully through 2028.

Food Pairing

This elegant red wine pairs well with red meats, game, or a cheese platter. Suggested pairings tailored to the wine's profile include grilled lamb chops, beef stew, or a mushroom risotto. Other excellent pairings for this style of wine are flank steak with shallots, prime rib of beef, or lamb tagine. It is also recommended with Santa Fe sirloin steaks on the barbecue, venison burgers with barbecue sauce and Quebec cheese, or lamb racks with rhubarb.

Vintage Quality

The 2016 vintage in Bordeaux, particularly in the Médoc, was widely regarded as an excellent one. The wines from this year are noted for their good concentration, layered fruit, and firm or soft tannins. This wine, in particular, displays the elegance characteristic of the vintage.