96 Lagrange - Crimson in color. 13% ABV. Gorgeous nose of red fruits, wet leaves, cedar and leather. Medium body with with supple fruit and polished tannins. Exceedingly approachable. Currants, cassis, plums and tobacco on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. Fantastic Lagrange that has aged brilliantly. Much better than a ’95 earlier this year. Best over the next 2-4 years but there is really no reason to wait.
My rating: 93 points
99 Le Pergole Torte - Ruby red in color. 13% ABV. 100% Sangiovese. Exquisite nose of red fruits, anise, leather and road tar. Medium body with perfect acidity. More than enough fruit at 21 years of age to make the wine incredibly appealing. Cherries, tobacco, licorice and plums on the palate. The finish is long and seamless. Gorgeous wine that has aged better than anyone could have expected. Best over the next 1-2 years.
I have fond memories of the 1996b Lagrange that I opened in December 2017. So pleased with the development since stored at release. Approachable with easy 10 - 20 years of maybe even getting better or staying at the current good phase.
Thanks Tom, for sharing these notes. The 96 Lagrange was the first classified growth I bought when I started getting into wine, somewhere in 1998. Just a soul bottle. During the years I drifted away from Bordeaux and never really felt like opening it, always preferring something else. So, I still have it, sleeping the cellar. You make me realise it’s about time to give it a go. It sounds like I might be very pleased I did buy it after all.
