Château Lascombes - Margaux Grand Cru Classé 2010

One of the first known owners of Château Lascombes was the knight Chevalier de Lascombes, who was born in 1625 and inherited it from the Durfort de Duras family. The estate remained the property of the Lascombes family for the three generations that followed, up until the French Revolution. Over the next few centuries, Château Lascombes would pass from one owner to another, each one contributing their own personal touch to the estate and its wines. The picturesque, ivy-colored chartreuse style château we see on the property today was originally constructed during the 17th century but went through a series of modifications by the succession of owners. 

In 1855, Château Lascombes was officially rated as a Second Growth by the 1855 Classification of Medoc wines, commissioned by Napoleon III. Château Lascombes is situated in the northwestern part of the Margaux appellation of the Medoc wine region on the Left Bank of Bordeaux. Today considered one of the largest classified growths of Bordeaux and the largest vineyard of the Margaux appellation, Lascombes reigns over a vineyard of 120 hectares (296 acres) in Margaux and an additional 10 hectares (24 acres) in Haut-Medoc.

The wines age 18 to 20 months in French oak barrels, the percentage of new oak having been reduced significantly in the past few years. Chateau Lascombes uses a unique barrel rotation system, which keeps the lees suspended in order to increase their contact with the must. This technique results in a wine with more body and volume without having to expose it to oxygen.

"The wine hits all cylinders in 2010. The average alcohol for the bottled wine is 14%. It has a gorgeously sweet nose of creme de cassis spring flowers subtle barbecue smoke and charcoal followed by full body beautiful intensity great purity stature and length. The influence of any oak is minimal despite the fact that 90% new French oak was used. Needless to say this is an example of modern-styled winemaking at its finest and arguments that such wines will not age well do not represent their terroir and are soul-less are totally groundless. Give it five or so years of cellaring and drink it over the following 25-30 years. This is one of the great Margaux wines of the vintage." - 96 Points, Robert Parker

"Dark and nicely toasty, with ample espresso and ganache up front, followed by steeped fig, blackberry and black currant fruit that rumbles through the finish. Features ample tarry grip, but eschews minerality and finesse for a direct and toast-driven approach." - 91 Points, Wine Spectator

Producer: Château Lascombes

Country: France

Region: Bordeaux

Varietal: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc

Appellation: Margaux

Vintage: 2010

Size: 750ml