Overview
Chateau La Lagune is a Third Growth of the 1855 Classification and one of the leading estates of the Haut-Médoc. The 2020 combines Cabernet Sauvignon-led structure with dark fruit, freshness and polished tannins, delivering the balance, finesse and ageing potential that define the estate.
Vintage
The 2020 season was marked by extremes, from a warm, dry winter and exceptionally early budbreak to heavy May rainfall followed by periods of drought. Flowering began in mid-May and veraison started on 7 July. Despite the challenging conditions, the vineyard reached harvest with healthy fruit, picked between 10 and 30 September 2020.
Vineyard & Viticulture
The blend comprises 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot from vines between approximately 20 and 60 years old. The vineyard is planted on the light gravel soils for which the Médoc is renowned, including quartz, calcite, agate and silica over deeper subsoils.
The entire vineyard is certified organic and is managed with a strong focus on soil preservation, biodiversity and the long-term health of the living ecosystem. Vine density ranges from 6,666 to 10,000 vines per hectare.
Winemaking
The grapes were harvested by hand into small crates. A meticulous triple manual sorting was followed by optical sorting before parcel-by-parcel vinification. Extraction was carefully controlled to preserve elegance and fine tannin structure.
The wine was matured for approximately 18 months in French oak barrels, with around 50% renewed each year. The wine was racked several times during maturation to remove heavier lees while retaining contact with the fine lees.
Critic Reviews
94/100 — Decanter
Tasted February 2026
94/100 — Raffaele Vecchione, WinesCritic.com
“Radiant and engaging showing notes of raspberries, currants, lemon blossom, mandarin peel, bergamot and citronella.”
Tasted February 2023
93/100 — Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
Tasted January 2023
18+/20 — Matthew Jukes
“Sensational energy, grandeur and poise… the finish is prodigious and the flavour barely falls away.”
Awards
2 Stars — Le Guide Hachette des Vins
Awarded 2024
Producer
Chateau La Lagune is a historic Haut-Médoc estate whose origins extend back to the 16th century. Classified as a Third Growth in 1855, the property has been led by Caroline Frey since 2000, with an emphasis on precise vineyard work, organic viticulture and elegant, terroir-driven wines.
Specifications
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Vintage: 2020
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Producer: Chateau La Lagune
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Country: France
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Region: Bordeaux, Haut-Médoc
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Classification: 3ème Grand Cru Classé, 1855 Classification
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Grape Varieties: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot
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Vine Age: Approximately 20–60 years
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Soil: Médoc gravel with quartz, calcite, agate and silica
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Viticulture: Certified Organic
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Harvest: Hand harvested, 10–30 September 2020
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Vinification: Parcel-by-parcel after triple manual and optical sorting
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Maturation: Approximately 18 months in French oak
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New Oak: Approximately 50%
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Alcohol: 14.0%
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Serving Temperature: 16°C
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Drinking Window: 2026–2056
