Host Billy Galanko sits down with Mathieu 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 topics

• Saint-Julien terroir and the significance of Lagrange’s contiguous 118 ha vineyard
• Historical arc: 1855 classification → decline post-war → Suntory acquisition in 1983 and reinvestment
• Vineyard evolution: higher Cabernet Sauvignon proportion, Merlot and Petit Verdot roles, density and canopy strategies
• Cellar practices: one vat per plot, stainless steel for precision, rack-and-return vs. pump-over vs. punch-down
• Blending in January with consultant Éric Boissenot and the importance of blind benchmarking
• Defining differences between the Grand Vin and Les Fiefs de Lagrange
• Market position: quality-to-price ratio and accessibility compared with peers
• The 2023 40th-anniversary “Ves” Magnum and its historical significance

Chapters & timestamps

• 00:00 — Introduction: framing Château Lagrange’s story
• 02:00 — Terroir and estate overview
• 06:10 — Historical context & Suntory’s role
• 12:40 — Vineyard management & climate adaptations
• 19:15 — Cellar philosophy & fermentation detail
• 26:30 — Blending process & Éric Boissenot’s input
• 31:55 — First vs. second wine: profiles & oak regimes
• 37:20 — Value proposition & global markets
• 43:10 — 40th-anniversary “Ves” Magnum release
• 47:30 — Visiting Château Lagrange
• 50:10 — Closing reflections

The 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 Billy@thewinepod.com.

Cheers!

Host Billy Galanko shares an important update about the future of the Vint Wine Podcast. After four and a half years with Vint, he is moving to a new role at Wine.com. This transition means the Weekly Wine Report will pause for now, but interviews and Five Questions episodes will continue as usual. Billy also explains potential rebranding plans and what listeners can expect in the months ahead.

Key Topics

• Final Weekly Wine Report (for now)
• Billy’s new role at Wine.com
• Podcast future and potential rebrand
• Upcoming interviews and episodes

Timestamps

• 00:19 – Weekly Wine Report announcement
• 00:43 – Leaving Vint for Wine.com
• 01:44 – What’s next for the podcast
• 02:58 – Closing notes and future episodes

The 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 Billy@thewinepod.com.

Cheers!

In this episode of Five Questions, we sit down with Matthieu Bordes, Managing Director and Winemaker at Château LaGrange in Saint-Julien. Château LaGrange is one of Bordeaux’s most historic Left Bank estates, with a vineyard history dating back to 1607 and one of the largest contiguous blocks of vines in the Médoc.

Bordes shares insights into:

• The vineyard location and grape varieties of Château LaGrange
• The estate’s four pillars: history, authenticity, technical innovation, and uncompromising quality
• Wine regions and styles outside Bordeaux that inspire him, from the Rhône to Ridge Monte Bello
• Standout vintages that have shaped his career, including the 2009 and 2007
• The future of Château LaGrange, with a focus on sustainability, team legacy, and continuous pursuit of excellence

Whether you’re passionate about Bordeaux or simply curious about how a historic Grand Cru Classé estate balances tradition and innovation, this conversation offers a rare window into the philosophy and vision behind Château LaGrange.

📍 Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Vint Wine Podcast
00:19 Welcome to Five Questions
00:44 Interview with Matthieu Bordes: Château LaGrange
00:52 Question 1: Vineyard Location and Varieties
01:20 Question 2: Introducing Château LaGrange
02:36 Question 3: Inspiring Wine Regions and Styles
03:15 Question 4: Memorable Vintages
04:33 Question 5: Future Roadmap for Château LaGrange
05:49 Conclusion and Thanks

The 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 Billy@thewinepod.com.

Cheers!