La Lagune sits on the first serious gravel outcrop you hit driving north through the Médoc. The soils—deep gravel beds over clay—mirror what you find in Margaux and the outer reaches of Latour. This is blue-chip terroir that was rightly classified as a third-growth back in 1855.
The estate dates to 1587, and for over four centuries, it's been the insider's pick—the château that savvy Bordeaux collectors slyly pick off wine lists while others chase famous names at triple the price.
The highly respected Frey family bought La Lagune in 2000. They also own Maison Jaboulet in the Rhône and have a stake in Champagne Billecart-Salmon—these aren't hobbyists. Caroline Frey took over winemaking and immediately began converting to biodynamic farming. In 2017, the French government made her a Chevalier de l'Ordre National du Mérite for her winemaking excellence.
The 2012 vintage was classic Left Bank: moderate temperatures, slow ripening, a splash of rain in September, and wines built for the long haul. At 12 years old, this bottle has hit the sweet spot—tertiary notes emerging while the fruit still sings. The blend includes 10% Petit Verdot for grip and structure.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT
Already Stateside, No Tariffs: This is direct from the château, in MINT condition, with perfect fills and sterling provenance. While others offer pre-arrivals of this 2012 Lagune that are subject to tariffs, or auction bottles of unknown provenance, ours are already stateside, ready to ship.
Critical Consensus: Stephen Spurrier called 2012 La Lagune “superb” with “a great future.” Jane Anson: “packed with gourmet richness, a lovely wine.” When multiple, highly knowledgeable experts love the same wine, you’re on to something.
Napa Can't Touch This: Show us a $150-300 Napa Cab from 2012 that drinks like this. This is classified growth Bordeaux at its most accessible: a reasonable price, an open, hedonistic profile, and aged gracefully by the people who made it.
HOW TO SERVE IT
60-65°F in Bordeaux stems. Decant for 45 minutes—this needs air to show its full complexity.
Classic pairings: rack of lamb, duck confit. Also brilliant with beef Wellington or aged Comté.
Drinking beautifully now through 2032. The tannins have integrated but still have grip—this wine’s got nearly another decade of life ahead.
