Chateau La LaguneProducer from Bordeaux, France

Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux
Bordeaux 1855 Classification: Third Growth

Château La Lagune, a Third Growth estate in the Haut-Médoc appellation, is known for producing wines of exceptional elegance, finesse, and ageing potential. As one of the few classified growths in the Haut-Médoc, La Lagune has earned a reputation for delivering wines that embody the classic characteristics of the Médoc, with a focus on precision, balance, and the ability to age gracefully. With a history that dates back to the 16th century and a prime location on the gravelly soils of the Médoc, Château La Lagune is a true gem of Bordeaux.

History of Château La Lagune

The history of Château La Lagune begins in the 16th century when the estate was established on the site of a former lagoon, hence its name. The property was initially developed by the de Seze family, who planted the first vineyards and built the château that still stands today. In the 18th century, Château La Lagune gained recognition for its wines, and in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, it was awarded Third Growth status, a testament to its quality and reputation.

In the 20th century, Château La Lagune changed hands several times until it was acquired by the Frey family in 2000. Under the ownership of Caroline Frey, the estate has undergone significant renovations, both in the vineyard and the winery, including the conversion to organic farming and the introduction of biodynamic practices. These efforts have helped Château La Lagune maintain its status as one of the leading estates in the Haut-Médoc, producing wines that are celebrated for their elegance and complexity.

The Terroir of Château La Lagune

The terroir of Château La Lagune is one of its most defining features, contributing to the unique character and quality of its wines. The estate’s 80 hectares of vineyards are located on a gravelly ridge overlooking the Gironde estuary, where the soils are a mix of deep gravel, clay, and sand. These well-drained soils are ideal for cultivating Cabernet Sauvignon, which is the dominant grape variety at La Lagune, along with Merlot and Petit Verdot.

The vineyard is planted with 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 10% Petit Verdot. This blend reflects the estate’s commitment to producing wines that are both powerful and balanced, with Cabernet Sauvignon providing structure and ageing potential, Merlot adding richness and roundness, and Petit Verdot contributing aromatic complexity and finesse.

The unique combination of soils, exposure, and grape varieties allows Château La Lagune to produce wines that are both powerful and refined, with a remarkable ability to age gracefully over decades.

Winemaking at Château La Lagune

Winemaking at Château La Lagune is a meticulous process that combines tradition with innovation. The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo rigorous sorting to ensure that only the finest fruit is used in the winemaking process. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, allowing for precise control over the extraction of flavours and tannins.

The wines are then aged in French oak barrels for 18 months, with about 50% new oak used each year. This ageing process enhances the wines' complexity and depth, allowing the tannins to soften and the flavours to integrate harmoniously. The result is a wine that is both approachable in its youth and capable of developing greater complexity and nuance over time.