Introduction
Château Lalande-Borie Saint-Julien 2016 is a classic representation of its esteemed Bordeaux appellation, offering the elegance and structural integrity for which Saint-Julien is renowned. Created by the iconic Jean-Eugène Borie, who also owned Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, Lalande-Borie was established from parcels of land that were meticulously chosen for their potential to produce high-quality wines typical of the Médoc. This estate focuses on a precise blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, reflecting the gravelly soils that are crucial to Saint-Julien’s character. The 2016 vintage in Bordeaux was particularly celebrated for its optimal conditions, yielding wines of impressive balance, freshness, and significant aging potential, making this Lalande-Borie a compelling and authentic expression of its terroir.
Character Description
The Château Lalande-Borie Saint-Julien 2016 displays a deep, brilliant ruby-purple hue, indicative of its youth and concentration. It offers an intensely aromatic and evolving bouquet of ripe dark fruits—blackcurrant, black cherry, and plum—elegantly interwoven with classic Médoc notes of cedar, tobacco leaf, graphite, and a subtle hint of fresh mint and spice from its judicious oak aging. On the palate, it delivers a medium to full-bodied and beautifully structured texture, with concentrated dark fruit and earthy-savory flavors mirroring the nose. It’s supported by firm, yet beautifully refined tannins that provide excellent backbone and a long, seamless finish, balanced by a vibrant, fresh acidity that ensures liveliness and remarkable precision. The finish is persistent, nuanced, and gracefully aromatic, leaving a lingering impression of pure dark fruit, classic Bordeaux complexity, and profound depth.
Perfect Pairings
This distinguished Saint-Julien is an exceptional partner for traditional French cuisine and other robust, flavorful dishes. It pairs beautifully with roasted lamb, grilled beef tenderloin, duck breast, or slow-cooked stews like beef Bourguignon. Its structured tannins and complex savory notes also make it an ideal accompaniment to mushroom-based dishes, truffle-infused cuisine, and a variety of aged, firm cheeses such as Comté, mature Cheddar, or a strong Muenster. The wine’s elegance and potential for evolution make it a fantastic choice for a formal dinner, a special occasion, or for those who appreciate the evolving beauty and classic profile of a well-crafted Bordeaux. Decanting for at least an hour is highly recommended to allow its full expression.
About the Winery
Château Lalande-Borie was established in 1970 by Jean-Eugène Borie, the visionary proprietor of the renowned Second Growth Château Ducru-Beaucaillou. His ambition was to create a classic Saint-Julien wine from carefully selected parcels of land, applying the same exacting standards that define his top estates. While not a classified growth in itself, Lalande-Borie benefits from the same expertise and dedication. The winery, now managed by the Borie family (specifically the daughter of Jean-Eugène, Sabine Bouteiller), employs a traditional approach to Médoc winemaking, focusing on Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with meticulous vineyard management and thoughtful oak aging. Château Lalande-Borie is dedicated to producing wines that offer the hallmark elegance, balance, and aging potential expected from Saint-Julien, providing a consistently high-quality and authentic Bordeaux experience.
