Château La Lagune Moulin de la Lagune 2016

Château La Lagune, established in 1525, is classified as a Troisième Cru, or 3rd Growth, in the 1855 Classification of Bordeaux. The vineyards are in Ludon in the Haut-Médoc, one of the few estates outside of Saint-Estèphe, Pauillac, Saint-Julien and Margaux to be classified. Since 2000, the estate is owned and operated by Caroline Frey, who also runs the world-renowned Paul Jaboulet Aîné in Hermitage. The organic vineyards (certified in 2016) of Château La Lagune are planted to 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 10% Petit Verdot on gravel soils in the Médoc. Château La Lagune's wines are aromatically enchanting and well-structured, displaying an elegance and refinement that is on par with great Margaux.

Moulin de La Lagune is the estate’s second label, though all viticulture, vinification and aging for the Moulin de La Lagune are carried out with the same concern for perfection as Château La Lagune’s Grand Vin. The 2016 Moulin pours a brilliant mid-ruby red brightening at the rim. The moment you raise the glass to your nose, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot bursts forth with a sensuous bouquet of dark raspberries and ripe red plums marked with layers of peppery spice, sandalwood and graphite. This medium-bodied masterpiece presents juicy flavors of dark red berry and stone fruits that cascade across the palate. Those lush fruits are buoyed by a vibrant acidity and fine, silky tannins as this beautiful Bordeaux saunters toward a long, supple finish. The 2016 Moulin de La Lagune is just starting to shine, though with proper cellaring, it can rest for another 10+ years (if you can hold on to it for that long!