2022 La Lagune (Haut-Medoc)

The 2022 La Lagune, the first vintage certified biodynamic (BIODYVIN), was bottled in May 2024. It fulfills the promise intimated from barrel with delineated, focused flavors and neatly integrated oak. Black fruit mingles with sous-bois and light pencil box aromas. The medium-bodied palate offers more sappy black fruit, a ferrous quality, fleshy texture and fine tannins. A touch of spice box on the finish is more austere than predicted. Nevertheless, this is a fine Haut-Medoc that will require three to five years in bottle. 92 points

The 2022 La Lagune offers an intriguing mix of dense, ripe fruit and equally imposing structure. Dark cherry, plum, mocha, licorice, new leather and incense fill out the layers as this brooding, backward Haut-Médoc opens in the glass. I would not dream of touching a bottle for at least a few years. 91 points

Reminding me, like the 2019, of a modern-day version of the lovely 1990, the 2022 La Lagune bursts with aromas of dark berries, cassis, licorice and violets. Medium to full-bodied, supple and fleshy, it`s a broad, sensual wine with velvety tannins and a suave, charming profile. With 13.8% alcohol, it remains classically proportioned, with a rather high pH of over 3.8 likely contributing to its open, giving style this year. 93-95 points

Impressive La Lagune, with depth and reach, manages to deliver intense tannic architecture, with Left Bank power and concentrated cassis and bilberry fruits, with fresher pomegranate, citrus zest, mandarin oil, tobacco, cigar box all adding complexity. Supple tannins also, and plenty of them, with bitter almond notes adding focus on the finish. Ageing potential here, and an impressive vintage for the property. Harvest September 9 to 26. Owner Caroline Frey. 94 points