Lagune, Chateau La
Summary
Château La Lagune is a Third Growth Haut-Médoc estate spanning 80 hectares in southern Bordeaux, where the Frey family produces approximately 180,000 bottles annually of predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines from 30-year-old vines grown on gravel-dominant soils. Under Caroline Frey's direction since 2004, the property combines traditional methods like hand-harvesting and candlelight racking during 18-month oak aging with progressive environmental practices, maintaining the estate's historic character while advancing its quality and sustainability credentials.
Heritage & Leadership
Château La Lagune traces its origins to the 16th century when the estate was first established in the Haut-Médoc region of Bordeaux. The property gained significant recognition in 1855 when it was classified as a Third Growth (Troisième Cru) in the Official Bordeaux Wine Classification, a distinction it maintains to this day. Throughout its history, La Lagune has changed hands several times, with each transition marking distinct chapters in its development.
The modern era of Château La Lagune began in the 1960s when the Sichel family, notable Bordeaux wine merchants, acquired the property and initiated substantial renovations. Under their stewardship, the château's facilities were modernized and vineyard management practices were refined. In 2000, the estate was purchased by the Frey family, specifically by Jean-Jacques Frey, who also owns holdings in Champagne and the Rhône Valley.
Since 2004, Caroline Frey has served as the estate's director and chief winemaker. With formal training in oenology from the University of Bordeaux, Caroline has implemented precise vineyard management techniques and refined the winemaking process. Under her leadership, La Lagune has embraced environmental responsibility while maintaining its traditional Médoc character.
Vineyards & Wines
Château La Lagune's vineyards span 80 hectares in the southern part of the Haut-Médoc appellation, situated on the left bank of the Garonne River. The vineyard parcels occupy a strategic position on gravel-rich soils typical of the Médoc peninsula, with a subsoil composition of clay and limestone that provides excellent drainage while retaining sufficient moisture during dry periods.
The vineyard is planted with 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 10% Petit Verdot. This planting distribution reflects both the traditional Left Bank preference for Cabernet Sauvignon and the specific terroir conditions of La Lagune. The vines average 30 years of age, with some older parcels exceeding 50 years.
La Lagune produces three wines: the grand vin Château La Lagune, the second wine Moulin de La Lagune, and a third wine called Mademoiselle L. The grand vin typically displays the classic Haut-Médoc profile of black fruit, cedar, and graphite notes, with a structure that allows for significant aging potential. Annual production averages approximately 180,000 bottles across all three labels.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking philosophy at Château La Lagune balances respect for tradition with technical precision. Harvest is conducted by hand, with grapes sorted twice—first in the vineyard and again at the winery—to ensure only optimal fruit enters the fermentation process. The estate employs temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for fermentation, sized specifically to correspond to individual vineyard parcels, allowing for precise vinification by plot.
Aging takes place in French oak barrels, with 50-60% new oak used for the grand vin. The maturation period typically extends for 18 months before bottling. Throughout this process, minimal intervention is practiced to preserve the expression of terroir, with racking performed traditionally by candlelight to minimize disturbance of the wine.
In 2015, Château La Lagune received High Environmental Value (HVE) certification, recognizing its sustainable agricultural practices. The estate has eliminated chemical herbicides, implemented cover crops between vine rows to promote biodiversity, and installed solar panels to reduce its carbon footprint. These environmental initiatives align with Caroline Frey's commitment to preserving the estate's terroir for future generations while maintaining the quality standards expected of a classified growth.