Chateau Lascombes 2018

Winery Background and History

Château Lascombes, situated in the Margaux appellation of Bordeaux, France, is a historic estate with origins dating back to the 17th century. Classified as a Second Growth (Deuxième Grand Cru Classé) in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, the château has a longstanding reputation for producing wines that exemplify the elegance and complexity characteristic of Margaux. The estate encompasses approximately 120 hectares, making it one of the largest in the Médoc region. Over the years, Château Lascombes has undergone various ownership changes, each contributing to its development and prestige. In 2011, the estate was acquired by the French insurance group MACSF, which continued investments and modernizations to enhance wine quality. These efforts have solidified Château Lascombes’ position as a producer of distinguished Bordeaux wines.

Producer and Winemaker

During the 2018 vintage, Château Lascombes was under the ownership of MACSF. The winemaking team was led by experienced professionals dedicated to combining traditional Bordeaux winemaking techniques with modern innovations. Their collective expertise ensured that the wines produced reflected the unique terroir of Margaux, emphasizing finesse, balance, and aging potential.

Vineyards and Microclimate

The vineyards of Château Lascombes cover approximately 120 hectares within the Margaux appellation. The diverse terroir includes gravelly soils, ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon, and clay-limestone soils, which favor Merlot cultivation. This combination allows for a harmonious blend of grape varieties, contributing to the wine’s complexity. The proximity to the Gironde estuary provides a moderating effect on temperatures, reducing the risk of frost and promoting a favorable microclimate for vine growth. The temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild winters and warm summers, ensures a long growing season, allowing grapes to achieve optimal ripeness. Meticulous vineyard management practices, including canopy management and controlled yields, further enhance the quality of the fruit produced.

Grape Varietals

The 2018 Château Lascombes is composed of approximately 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot.

Vinification & Aging Methods

The 2018 vintage at Château Lascombes involved hand-harvesting the grapes in several passes to ensure optimal ripeness. Meticulous sorting was conducted both in the vineyard and at the winery. Fermentation took place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, allowing for precise management of fermentation kinetics. Post-fermentation, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation to soften acidity and enhance mouthfeel. Aging was conducted in French oak barrels, with a significant portion being new oak, imparting subtle flavors and contributing to the wine’s structure. The duration of barrel aging typically spanned 18 to 20 months, during which the wine was regularly monitored and racked to achieve clarity and stability before bottling.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

The 2018 Château Lascombes has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of approximately 14%.

Tasting Notes

The 2018 Château Lascombes displays a deep, dark, almost opaque ruby-red color. The nose offers toasty oak and cocoa-butter notes melded with mulberry. On the palate, it starts with rich mulberry fruit before plentiful drying tannins make the body astringent. There is good acidity and balanced alcohol. The finish is long but drying.

Food & Wine Pairing

The 2018 Château Lascombes pairs well with a variety of dishes. Its rich fruit profile and structured tannins complement roasted meats such as lamb or beef. Additionally, it pairs nicely with game birds like pheasant or duck. For a vegetarian option, consider dishes featuring earthy mushrooms or lentils, which harmonize with the wine’s depth and complexity. Cheese selections such as aged Gouda or Comté also make excellent accompaniments.

Service Methods and Temperatures

To fully appreciate the 2018 Château Lascombes, it is recommended to serve the wine at a temperature between 17 to 18°C (63 to 64°F). Decanting the wine for about an hour before serving can help in expressing its aromatic complexity and soften the tannins, enhancing the overall tasting experience.

Storage and Aging Potential

The 2018 Château Lascombes has demonstrated the ability to age gracefully. Proper cellaring conditions—consistent temperature around 12°C (54°F), with appropriate humidity levels and minimal light exposure—can further preserve its quality. While it is enjoyable now, the wine has the potential to develop additional complexity with further aging.

Scores

• Wine Enthusiast: 94 points

• James Suckling: 94 points

• Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: 93 points

• Wine Spectator: 92 points