Chateau Lagrange 1996

WEINWISSER: "Dichtes, sattes Purpur, viel dunkle Reflexe, undurchsichtig. Deutliche Eukalyptusnoten, wilder Rosmarin, Schoko-After-Eight-Ton, gewisse Heitz-Napa-Affinität. Reicher Gaumen, trotz deutlich erkennbarer Gerbstoffe ausgleichende Fettkonturen zeigend, Pflaumentöne, viel erdige Tiefe im Finale, noch mindestens fünf Jahre Flaschenreife brauchend, in Richtung des 1990ers gehend, aber mit noch mehr Konturen und Potenzial, kann vielleicht sogar 19 Punkte erreichen. Ein äusserst vielversprechender Lagrange."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Fully mature and showing quite well with its tobacco, cigar box, cedar, leaf and cassis charms, there is nice, spice and fresh component in the finish giving it lift and length. The wine was produced from a blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Wonderful aromas of blackberry, light spices and currant follow through to a full-bodied palate, with chewy tannins and a long finish. Still tannic and tight.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2008. 24,000 cases made."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "This impeccably run, Japanese-owned property has fashioned a superb 1996. Opaque purple-colored, with a backward yet promising nose of classically pure cassis intermixed with pain grille and spice, this medium to full-bodied, powerful yet stylish wine possesses superb purity, a nicely-layered feel in the mouth, and plenty of structure. It will not be an early-drinking St.-Julien, but one to lay away and enjoy over the next 2-3 decades. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2022."