Château La Lagune
French pronunciation guide
The northernmost classified growth in the Haut-Médoc, celebrated for feminine elegance and a remarkable comeback story spanning four centuries.
Château La Lagune is the highest-rated classified growth in Haut-Médoc, holding Third Growth status in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. Located in Ludon, the estate covers 80 hectares and produces around 18,000 to 20,000 cases per vintage. Biodynamic certification since 2021 marks its modern chapter under Frey family ownership.
- Troisième Cru Classé (Third Growth) in the 1855 Classification; the highest-rated classified growth in the Haut-Médoc AOC
- Located in Ludon, the northernmost commune with a classified growth in the Haut-Médoc
- Planted to 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 10% Petit Verdot across 80 hectares
- Organic certified since 2016; biodynamic certified since 2021
- Fermented in 72 temperature-controlled stainless steel vats and aged 18 months in French oak with 55% new barrels
- Produces three wines: Château La Lagune (grand vin), Moulin de La Lagune (second wine, since 1998), and Mademoiselle L (third wine, since 2004)
- Rescued in 1958 with only 5 hectares of viable vines; expanded to its current 80 hectares
History and Ownership
Château La Lagune's origins date to 1587, with the château itself constructed between 1715 and 1734 by architect Baron Victor Louis. The vineyards were first planted in 1724. The catastrophic frost of 1956 devastated the estate, leaving only 5 hectares of vines by 1958. Georges Brunet purchased and began restoring the property that same year, and by 1962 it had been sold to Champagne Ayala. The Frey family acquired La Lagune in 1999, with Caroline Frey leading the estate from 2004 until 2025, when JJ Frey took over direction.
- Château constructed 1715 to 1734 by architect Baron Victor Louis
- 1956 frost reduced viable vineyard to just 5 hectares by 1958
- Frey family acquired the estate in 1999; Caroline Frey led from 2004 to 2025
- JJ Frey assumed direction in July 2025
Terroir and Vineyards
La Lagune sits at just 15 meters elevation in the commune of Ludon, the northernmost point in the Haut-Médoc to hold a classified growth. The estate benefits from a maritime climate shaped by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gironde estuary, with south-facing orientation maximizing sun exposure. The soils are Quaternary gravels over clay subsoil, composed of pink, yellow, and white quartz, calcite, agates, and silica. This gravelly plateau with its excellent drainage has earned the nickname the 'Médoc Island Model' among viticulturalists. The total estate covers 150 hectares, with much of the land devoted to parkland and forest.
- Quaternary gravels over clay subsoil; multicolored quartz, calcite, agates, and silica
- South-facing orientation and maritime Atlantic influence define the climate
- Terroir described as the 'Médoc Island Model' for its gravelly, well-drained plateau
- 150 hectares total estate; 80 hectares under vine
Viticulture and Winemaking
The vineyards are planted to 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 10% Petit Verdot. La Lagune achieved organic certification in 2016 and biodynamic certification in 2021, reflecting the Frey family's commitment to sustainable farming. Fermentation takes place in 72 temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, preserving aromatic precision. The grand vin is aged for 18 months in French oak, with 55% new barrels used each year. Annual production runs between 18,000 and 20,000 cases.
- 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot
- Organic certified 2016; biodynamic certified 2021
- 72 temperature-controlled stainless steel fermentation vats
- 18 months in French oak, 55% new barrels annually
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Look it up →Classification and Wines
La Lagune holds Troisième Cru Classé status in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, making it the highest-rated classified growth in the entire Haut-Médoc appellation. Three wines are produced under the estate label. The grand vin, Château La Lagune, is joined by Moulin de La Lagune, introduced in 1998 as the second wine, and Mademoiselle L, the third wine released from 2004 onward. The house style is consistently described as refined and feminine, with aromatic complexity and elegant texture sitting at the heart of classical Médoc winemaking.
- Third Growth (Troisième Cru Classé) in the 1855 Classification
- Highest-rated classified growth in the Haut-Médoc AOC
- Second wine: Moulin de La Lagune (since 1998); third wine: Mademoiselle L (since 2004)
- Style emphasizes finesse, balance, and aromatic complexity
Château La Lagune expresses a refined, feminine style with aromatic complexity, elegant texture, and classical Médoc balance. Expect dark fruit, floral notes, and well-integrated oak with a silky structure and refined tannins.
- Moulin de La Lagune$25-40Second wine of La Lagune since 1998, offering the estate's feminine Haut-Médoc style at an accessible price.Find →
- Mademoiselle L by Château La Lagune$18-25Third wine produced since 2004, delivering La Lagune's biodynamic farming philosophy in an approachable format.Find →
- Château La Lagune Grand Vin$65-95The estate's Third Growth grand vin; 18 months in French oak with 55% new barrels shapes its classical Médoc elegance.Find →
- Troisième Cru Classé in the 1855 Classification; the highest-ranked classified growth in the Haut-Médoc appellation
- Located in Ludon, the northernmost commune with a classified growth in the Haut-Médoc
- Blend: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot; aged 18 months in French oak, 55% new
- Organic certified 2016, biodynamic certified 2021; Frey family ownership since 1999
- Three wines produced: grand vin (Château La Lagune), second wine Moulin de La Lagune (1998), third wine Mademoiselle L (2004)