CHÂTEAU LA LAGUNE Mademoiselle L Haut-Médoc 2006 Producer A Third Growth (3ème Cru Classé), Château La Lagune has ridden the vicissitudes of fashion that have swept over the Médoc in the past 30 years. Now owned by the Frey family, La Lagune has seen a return to form, brought about by lower yields and better work in the vineyard. It is the southernmost classed growth in the Médoc and one of just five in the 1855 classification lying outside the main communes of St Estèphe, St Julien, Pauillac and Margaux. The 80 hectares of vineyards are planted on gravel slopes with 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot. Vineyards The Château's vineyards are planted with traditional Medoc grape varieties: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot. Vintage Information 2006 was a vintage of contrasts which required constant attention to detail in the vineyard. Good weather predominated until the end of July for the maturation period. Then came a freshness, important rain and a lack of sun which slowed down the process. Leaf-plucking took place to enable maximum sunshine to reach the fruiting zone and to avoid a build up of humidity within the canopy which would have encouraged the development of rot. Good, stable conditions returned in early September enabling an early harvest to begin. Yields were 30hl/hectare. Vinification The grapes were hand-picked and sorted three times before destemming and crushing. Each variety was fermented separately in temperature controlled, gravity fed stainless steel tanks . Fermentation was short, and took place at low temperatures. It was followed by malolactic fermentation in tank. The wine aged for 12 months in one year old French oak barriques. Tasting Notes Good depth of red-black colour with attractive perfumes of red and blackcurrant and an earthy, leathery note. On the palate, the intense cassis character of the Cabernet is fleshed out by the ripe, plummy Merlot which pads out the structure and gives a sweet fruit to the finish. Press Imbibe, Jul/Aug 09 Soft ripe fruits. Jammy character. Easy drinking for Claret. Food friendly. Find this wine at www.winestore.co.uk Price: £110.15 (Including VAT at 20%)