2018 Lagrange Les Fiefs de Lagrange

The 2018 Les Fiefs de Lagrange retains a backward, almost timid bouquet that demands coaxing from the glass. It eventually responds with blackberry and briary aromas and a touch of sea spray. The palate is well balanced with succulent ripe tannins, less foursquare than out of barrel, with a more approachable finish than the aromatics. Give it, say, 18 months in bottle.

The second wine of Château Lagrange, the 2018 Les Fiefs De Lagrange is largely Cabernet Sauvignon blended with a good chunk of Merlot. It has a perfumed, lifted bouquet of blueberries, black cherries, candied violets, spring flowers, and sandalwood. This carries to a ripe, sexy, medium to full-bodied Saint-Julien revealing velvety tannins, no hard edges, and loads of up-front appeal. Nevertheless, it has the purity and structure to keep for 15-20 years or more, if you're so inclined.

The 2018 Les Fiefs de Lagrange has a tightly wound bouquet with black cherry and light boysenberry fruit laced with cedar. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins (especially for a Deuxième Vin ) with a fresh, slightly foursquare finish. Enjoy this over the next decade.