I love Left Bank wines with power, poise and balance. For years I have been enamored by the wines of Chateau Lascombes, and I enjoyed a glorious visit to this modern facility several years back. A great history, Lascombes has 120 hectares (296 acres) planted in the Margaux appellation, as well as 10 hectares (24 acres) in the Haut-Médoc appellation. It stands as one of the the largest vineyards among the classified growths of 1855. Located near the center of Margaux, vines are set on a range of soil types, as the vineyard has three separate blocks of roughly the same surface area: a gravelly outcrop planted with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, a block of clay-gravel made up of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, and finally clay-limestone plots, where Merlot is planted. As these wines have a softer expression for the region, it is no surprise that Merlot makes up roughly 50% of vines planted which is highly unique to the appellation.
The winery is owned by The Lawrence Family, owners of Napa Valley’s iconic Heitz Cellar and Managing Partner and Master Sommelier Carlton McCoy, Jr. which is the Lawrence Wine Estates’ first acquisition in Europe. Lascombes joins a portfolio which includes Burgess, Ink Grade, and Stony Hill Vineyard. At the helm is Delphine Barboux who has served as winemaker and technical manager since 2016. The wine I recently tasted came from the 2019 vintage, one that produced really high quality wines, and might be a step behind those from 2018. The 2019 Chateau Lascombes (OB, 95) is all about balance right now, as the black fruit flavors are slowly stepping into the fray. This beauty is elegant and has at least twenty years in front of it. Learn more about this famed house at https://www.chateau-lascombes.com and here is my review of the beautiful 2019 Lascombes.
2019 Chateau Lascombes- The 2019 Lascombes might not be the biggest wine produced in this warm vintage, but right now this Margaux exudes both class and elegance. A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 45% Merlot and the remainder Petit Verdot, this shows refined tannins on the mouth, with layers of cocoa powder, coffee grounds, anise and black currant flavors. Texturally soft and seamless, with bright underlying acidity, this is already drinking beautifully with a two hour decant. Enjoy this outstanding wine now and over the next two decades. Drink 2023-2043- 95