Bordeaux Wine Enthusiasts

The day after her birthday Lucie made one of our favorite light dinners--cheese soufflé with sides of tomatoes and green beans. We had dined at a non corkage restaurant the night before and drank a peppery young 2009 Cote Rotie off the list, so of course with the soufflé I had to open a la Lagune. This required me to pop the third and last case of the 1996. Early on, I was worried about the evolution of the '96 because it tasted so good and up front. Not to worry; the wine never went completely dumb and has matured marvelously. The balance is perfect, the tannins are soft and long, and the licorice is subtle, sweet, and delicious. I should have bought another couple of cases at least. 92 points with further upside potential.

1996 is the greatest cabernet vintage ever in Bordeaux.

Sounds good. Speaking of corkage, we went to our favorite Japanese/sushi place locally, which is normally a big pain because they are amazing but only a very small staff, so dinner is guaranteed to take 1.5-2 hrs no matter what you do. Even calling ahead. However the food is amazing, and visually its right up there with anything I've had in any big city.

And they just introduced a $10 corkage policy, on the front page of their menu. Yay!

Stefan - what do you think of the newer vintages of La Lagune? Are you considering / cellaring any?

2000, 2002, and 2003, 2004 are OK to good at this point. None are as forward as the 1996 was at the same age and I doubt that any will match the '96. They are all enjoyable and respectable for the prices I paid, but this is not an exciting batch of wines. The 2003 is perhaps the best now, but in 10 years the 2000 might be better. The nose on the 2002 is beautiful, so I can't count it out of the competition. The 2004 is a throw down wine. Except for the 2000, of which I have only opened one bottle, we have drunk many of these too young. As a group, they are more in the style of 1995, which took 15-20 years to become excellent.

I have 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, and 2010 La Lagune but have not tasted them.

When do I crack open my case of the 2004?

I had the 04 Lagune last year. While it will continue to improve for 10-15 years, it is really good now in a primary style. It would be a big hit in a steakhouse right now with a good decant for those wanting a robust wine that's not oaky or OTT. I'm sitting on my remaining 4 bottles.

Not having had any Lagunes since the 2004, I do wonder how the style may have changed since, as RMP dropped huge scores on the 2005-2010 Lagunes unlike anything in the pre-2004 era (eg. RMP rates the 2004 93 pts and the 2005 95 pts, while only going as high as 92 pts for the 1982 I believe). Some of this is probably just part of the general pattern of grade inflation but it can also be a red flag for a big shift in style as we know so well.

Gosh..first I agree that 1996 is one if the best left bank vintages...second have my eye on La Lagune and Beychevelle at prices here in Blighty that look attractive. The ratio of the two prices is 2:3, approx $60 vs. $90 back in the Queen's country.

Now is the time to open the '04, Jim.

stefan wrote:Now is the time to open the '04, Jim.

Why is that, Bill?

I think the '04 is the closest to being ready of the L-Ls from this century, Patrick. I don't see it turning into an excellent La Lagune. Jim has a full case of the wine. Finally, Jim likes youngish Bordeaux.

I have only the 2006...its birth yr. wine for my son Cage

Robert, La Lagune is a special estate for Lucie and me. We have bought 30+ different vintages of it.

Visited the property in 2007 and I recal a beautiful, rich yet classic 2005 (and a stunning winemaker..). Very fresh wine at the time, great promise. My 2002's all have been gone now. Rated them 86-87, so not extremely divine. With prices increasing, I'm heading for a close neighbour of La Lagune, Cantemerle.

La Lagune / Cantemerle seems to be a nice little sweet spot for me.

I like Cantemerle, but it does not achieve the heights of La Lagune.

Our AWOL Orlando Bobby popped the '82 a couple years back
...a nice old world claret maybe a bit passed it's prime but still a solid drinking experience

Only improperly stored or loose cork '82 La Lagunes are past their prime.

I bought a couple 2010s and requested a couple 2009s. Gone are the days of bargain La Lagune, I think the 2000 was $25pb. 2005 was $50 and so on... Jeff Leve likes the 2014.

Yeah, The Bob raving about 2005 La Lagune ended the bargains we were used to, Jay. I had to pay $56 for both the '09 and '10. Funny thing is that RP was on record saying that La Lagune was one of his personal favorites, but he did not give it high scores until 2005.