At Château Lagrange Médoc’s storied past meets a modern Japanese vision.
WRITTEN BY: ANETTA NOWOSIELSKA
In the hallowed heart of Médoc’s Saint-Julien, Château Lagrange doesn’t merely stand; it presides. This esteemed Grand Cru Classé estate, its foundations steeped in 16th-century lore, is a living embodiment of viticultural heritage. It’s the fabled 1855 classification, which boasts a geological tapestry unparalleled in the region. Here, 17 distinct soil types coalesce with unparalleled depth—a direct lineage from centuries of dialogue between vine and earth.
The narrative took a fascinating turn in 1983 when Japan’s Suntory Group embraced this storied property. Under its stewardship, with visionary winemaker Matthieu Bordes at the helm, Château Lagrange ascended to become a beacon of precision viticulture, sustainability, and thoughtful innovation. “As winemakers, blending heritage and innovation lies at the heart of our craft,” explains Bordes. “We challenge ourselves constantly, evolving without ever compromising the soul of our terroir, always in pursuit of excellence with integrity.” Every meticulous practice, from biodiversity regeneration to optical sorting and plot-by-plot vinification, is a reverent homage to the land. This unwavering dedication ensures Lagrange’s profound legacy isn’t just preserved, but continuously enriched for future generations of discerning palates.
To celebrate its enduring heritage, the estate unveiled an extraordinary offering: a limited-edition cuvée from its Heritage Collection. Sourced exclusively from the vineyard’s most hallowed, centuries-old parcels, this magnum is bottled with the original château label—a poignant echo of Lagrange’s illustrious past. The presentation itself is unique: arriving in a custom wooden case that becomes an exquisite tribute to the estate’s indelible legacy. “It was essential to work with a local partner whose craftsmanship and sustainable approach mirror our values,” adds Bordes about the release poised to debut this fall. “The care we put into the wine flows into every detail, from the liquid to the box that holds it.”
For lucky fans willing to witness this mastery in person, Château Lagrange extends an unparalleled invitation to step into its world—take a private guided tour, delve into vertical blind tastings, or explore the vineyards on a Méhari tour. For a truly hands-on experience, a blending workshop or a tasting directly from the barrel is an excellent option. Even from afar, a digital masterclass offers a personalized online connection. Beyond wine, Château Lagrange celebrates a vibrant fusion of cultures, from cookery lessons with its esteemed chef to private dinners and fusion lunches that beautifully pair Asian cuisine with the acclaimed Saint-Julien wines.
In every exquisite detail, from its historic soils to its innovative spirit and this momentous new release, Château Lagrange truly embodies a legacy of refined taste, perfectly balancing ancestral grandeur with a forward-thinking elegance that continues to captivate the world’s most discerning palates.
