This backward, tannic, strikingly oaky St.-Julien reveals a big structure as well as copious power and muscle, and a modern-styled combination of ripe fruit and new oak. While it requires a few years of bottle age to shed its cloak of tannin, and develop more Bordelais character, it possesses plenty of stuffing, and may turn out to be outstanding with additional time in bottle. Patience is warranted. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2025.

A wine that balances its freshness with deep layers of black fruits. Acidity and black currants work well together. Lagrange is over-performing at the moment: an estate that once made correct wines now offers excitement as well.

90-92 A wine with great ripe fruit, delicious acidity and freshness. It is firm, but the almost jammy sweetness makes it very appealing.