Tasting notes: 2016 Haut-Médoc and Margaux (24 wines)

[AlexR]

Notes and photos here:

http://www.bordeauxwineblog.com/

Alex R.

[RPCV]

Thanks Alex, very nice notes as always.

Sounds sooooo '82.

[JimHow]

Wow! Been in court so not much time to comment right now but I have many questions/comments.
Suffice to say for now that I love that whole Twitter style of reporting your notes under X number of words, it is quite unique, effective, and useful.
Will report back in.

[stefan]

Good notes, Alex. I intended not to buy any 2016s, but you have almost convinced me to buy La Lagune and at least consider some others.

[brodway]

Stefan

did you pick up any 2010 La Lagune. i had heard it was a monumental vintage for them, but have not tried it myself

Alex R

this certainly sounds like a classic style Bordeaux vintage. exactly what got me hooked to the region. thanks for the notes. i will be buying selected names, and will look for further comments before committing to purchases

[Nicklasss]

Keep them coming Alex. But it is not looking good pricewise.

I guess Stefan has to buy at least one 2016 Chateau La Lagune. Depending on price, I should go for it.

Nic

[AlexR]

I visited La Lagune separately (above and beyond the Union des Grands Crus tasting) with Izak Litwar, a frequent poster on this board.

We were welcomed by Cellarmaster Maylis de Laborderie, a sweet young thing (mid twenties) originally from the Beaujolais.
We also tasted the 2015 and 2014 with her.

I quite liked the 2015, which is big for La Lagune.
The 2014 is more toned down, but also quite good.

AR

[stefan]

Yes, I bought a case of the 2010 La Lagune, Alex. Actually I paid for two, but the first one was a phantom case from Premier Cru. I have not tasted it yet. Maybe in 2020 I'll try a bottle.

[Jay Winton]

poor mr vino only bought 2 2010 LLs. I find a great price online for the 2010 but shipping is too much to make it worth it.

[Racer Chris]

I've never seen a bottle of Chateau Beaumont, but I became a fan of their second wine, Chateau D'Arvigny, starting with the 2010 vintage.
I still have at least a case of the 2011 to be consumed over the next few years, and having tasted the 2012 recently, I'm in the process of stocking up.

[Chateau Vin]

Yes, I bought a case of the 2010 La Lagune, Alex. Actually I paid for two, but the first one was a phantom case from Premier Cru. I have not tasted it yet. Maybe in 2020 I'll try a bottle.

Stefan, what are your top 5 vintages of la lagune? Where do vintages 86, 00 and 05 of la lagune rank in your opinion? Is the style the same going back to couple of decades or did it change in your opinion?

[stefan]

CV, my top five La Lagune, in order of preference, from 1980 to 2000 are 1982, 1990, 1989, 1996, and 1985. I have not drunk 2005 yet except to taste. The style has been consistent IMO no matter what the critics say, except for the 2013 Napa La Lagune, which contains a warning "Cabernet Sauvignon" on the label. I think that the increased richness of some recent vintages reflects more the change in weather and possibly some grape management than a conscious change of style.

After the five above, I would put 1983, 1986, 1995, 1981, 2000. I have not fitted in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008 yet as they are still developing but am pretty sure that none will break into the top 5 for me. I expect some of 2005, 2009, 2010 to make it to the top group.

To be honest, there is no vintage of La Lagune that I really dislike other than 2013, though a few I never drank. For example, 1987 and 1997 were serviceable luncheon clarets, as was 1980, and the bouquet of 1992 was attractive. 1998 is solid. I still buy and drink 1988. The first few times I drank 2000 I did not like it, but the wine developed nicely and is quite good now.

Older vintages are iffy now, but in their prime 1961, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1975, and 1978 were my favorites. I still occasionally buy these older vintages and some bottles have been very good.

[AlexR]

Stefan,

I have 2 bottles of the 2000 La Lagune.
I see that you have a good, but not very good opinion of it.
Must try one soon!

I also have a 2001, which isn't mentioned.
That should also be pretty much ready to go.

All the best,
Alex

[stefan]

The 2001 is one I don't know, Alex.

[Chateau Vin]

Thanks Stefan.

I don't think the post can be more informative/elaborative. Thanks again...

[Claudius2]

Alex,
I'd have to agree that the 2000 La Lagune was not a great effort in the vintage, and frankly, a bit of a let down.
It is a bit muddy if that makes sense, lacking precision and definition. The structure is too loose for me, though there is plenty of flavour.

I have had the 1983 and 1982 side by side and in fact rate the 83 slightly ahead of 82.
Maybe it is a stylistic issue, but the 83 to my palate had more fruit intensity but the 82 is more a classic Bordeaux style with length, food dark fruit and more minerality than 83.

I stopped buying La Lagune for some years.
Not sure why but it simply fell off my dial.
I have bought 2009 and 2010 in OWC and will let them sleep for some time.

[AlexR]

Well, that makes *two* people who were underwhelmed by the 2000 La Lagune.

I must pull out a bottle and plan on drinking it soon.

AR

[AlexR]

Well, that makes *two* people who were underwhelmed by the 2000 La Lagune.

I must pull out a bottle and plan on drinking it soon.

AR