The Rebirth of a Bordeaux Benchmark: Château Lagrange with Matthieu Bordes

Host Billy Galanko sits down with Matthieu Bordes, Managing Director and Head Winemaker at Château Lagrange, to trace the evolution of this Saint-Julien estate, from its 118-hectare contiguous vineyard and meticulous plot-by-plot vinification to four decades of stewardship under Suntory. The conversation highlights vineyard management in the face of climate change, cellar innovations such as conical tanks and rack-and-return, the philosophy behind blending, and the significance of Lagrange’s 40th-anniversary release, all underscoring why this Grand Cru Classé continues to deliver exceptional value among the Classified Growths.Key topicsSaint-Julien terroir and the significance of Lagrange’s contiguous 118 ha vineyardHistorical arc: 1855 classification → decline post-war → Suntory acquisition in 1983 and reinvestmentVineyard evolution: higher Cabernet Sauvignon proportion, Merlot and Petit Verdot roles, density and canopy strategiesCellar practices: one vat per plot, stainless steel for precision, rack-and-return vs. pump-over vs. punch-downBlending in January with consultant Éric Boissenot and the importance of blind benchmarkingDefining differences between the Grand Vin and Les Fiefs de LagrangeMarket position: quality-to-price ratio and accessibility compared with peersThe 2023 40th-anniversary “Ves” Magnum and its historical significanceChapters & timestamps00:00 — Introduction: framing Château Lagrange’s story02:00 — Terroir and estate overview06:10 — Historical context & Suntory’s role12:40 — Vineyard management & climate adaptations19:15 — Cellar philosophy & fermentation detail26:30 — Blending process & Éric Boissenot’s input31:55 — First vs. second wine: profiles & oak regimes37:20 — Value proposition & global markets43:10 — 40th-anniversary “Ves” Magnum release47:30 — Visiting Château Lagrange50:10 — Closing reflectionsThe Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email [email protected]!