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History
La Lagune’s history began in the 16th century, under Henri IV, when Dutch polder technicians began to plant vines on land that had been reclaimed from the sea. But it was in the 18th century, in 1730, with the construction of the “chartreuse” (mansion) by Baron Louis (architect of Bordeaux’s Grand Theatre), that the domain finally settled into its wine-growing role. It remained in the powerful Bordeaux family, De Seze, for many generations, until the 1855 Classification, which gave it the sought-after distinction Third Grand Cru Classe.During the 1950’s, La Lagune, as indeed most vineyards, could not resist the end of the war, the economic crisis, and the great frosts of 1956. In 1958, when George Brunette purchases the property, there are but a few hectares of grapevines still in production. He undertook an extensive renovation program, which would eventually put La Lagune back on the path to excellence. But the financial demands weigh heavily, and a few years later, he is forced to part with his protegee. Since then, true to form, La Lagune has always basked in the love of amateurs and professionals. Jean-Francois-Moueix, owner of the Duclos Establishment, Bordeaux traders since 1886, and confirms it: “the Chateau La Lagune is now considered a Second Grand Cru”. Today LA LAGUNE has recovered the radiance of yesterday. The ‘Chartreuse’ has been restored, particular care being paid to authenticity and elegance. As they were in the 18th century, meals are eaten in the superb arched kitchen, while above, the salon and rooms, done in the ‘Rothschild’ style, greet guests of the domain throughout the year.
Nowadays’ owner: SCA Château La Lagune
Technique Information
Location: Geographically, the first classified chateau that one meets on the road to the Medoc when coming from the city of Bordeaux. Chateau La Lagune is 16 kilometers from the City of Bordeaux. It does not bear the name of Ludon, the commune that it occupies, but is labeled Haut-Medoc.
Appellation: Appellation Haut-Medoc Controlee
Neighboring Chateau: Chateau Belgrave(5th Growth of Haut-Medoc in 1855)
Acreage: 80 hectares vineyard.
Soil: a sandy-gravelly mix, laying over a Quaternary gravel
Grape Varieties: 60%Cabernet Sauvignons, 30% Merlots and 10% of Petit Verdot.
Average age of vines: 25 years
Cultivation Density: 6,666 vines/ha
Viticulture: Increasing leaf surface; Adapt vineyard operations on each plot; Carefully calculated addition of organic and mineral compounds; Traditional cultivation methods; Short pruning(6 grapes per vine stock); De-budding, suckering(eliminating secondary shoots), green harvest(grape bunch thinning).Leaf thinning during the ripening period.
Winemaking:
Chateau La Lagune (First Label): Havest by hand. After picking, the grapes are selected，de-stemming in the fermenting room, then a light crushing. This large number of different-sized vats permits parcel-by-parcel vinification. Alcoholic fermentations star after a few days of pre-fermentation maceration. After two week’s alcoholic fermentation, Malolactic fermentation in vats for the free run juice (in barrel for the press wine). Barrel ageing at about 50% of new barrels, 50% aged in barrels used once for the previous vintage, and lasts for approximately 12 months. The wines are racked three times during aging, and lightly refined with egg white.
Moulin de La Lagune (Second Label): The same way with use of 30% new oak barrels.
Yield: 35 to 40 hectoliters per hectare
Brands: Chateau La Lagune(First Label)(A.O.C.Haut Medoc)
Moulin de La Lagune(Second Label)(A.O.C.Haut Medoc)
Mademoiselle L(A.O.C.Haut Medoc)
Annually Production: Chateau La Lagune (First Label): 33,000 cases per annum
Moulin de La Lagune (Second Label): 8,000 cases per annum
Character:
Chateau La Lagune (First Label): La Lagune Wines possess elegance and balance, two features which typify the great Bordeaux wine. But added freshness, harmony, and a touch of femminity grant La Lagune true personality.
Moulin de La Lagune (Second Label): Moulin La Lagune is a very pleasing wine from its earliest years, an “easy-to-drink” wine. It is also a little richer in Merlot than the Chateau, about 40%. To gives the wine a melted woody taste, barrelling includes 30% to 40% new wood, and lasts 12 months.
Best Vintages: Chateau La Lagune (First Label): 2000, 2003, 2005
Awards: Third Growth of Pauillac in 1855.
Website: www.chateau-la-lagune.com
Serving Suggestion
Cellar Humidity and Temperature: 75-85%, 15 ℃
Serving Temperature: 17-19 °C
Optimal Drinking and Aging Potential:
Food match:
Chateau La Lagune (First Label):
Western Food: Excellent with roast game and hearty meals, red meat, cheese.
Next Chateau Langoa Barton
Pre Chateau Ferriere
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