Château Lascombes Margaux 2018 - Grand Cru Classé

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

Generous, but a little soft on the mid-palate at the moment, nice grain of tannin.

About the domain :

The MACSF mutual insurance group, which now owns this very important estate, is doing everything in its power to ensure its prestige and quality, under the efficient management of Dominique Befve. The wine, always made from very ripe grapes, possesses a fullness and suavity that are rare in Margaux, and the charm and finesse of the second wine, chevalier-de-lascombes, which carries the aromatic seduction of the application, is a delight to behold.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the domain :

Founded in the 15th century by Chevalier Antoine de Lascombes, acquired in 1952 by Alexis Lichine, then by the Bass & Charrington wine merchant in 1971, this cru languished until its purchase in 2001 by the American investment fund Colony Capital. Under the leadership of Dominique Befve, formerly of the Rothschild estates, a major program was launched to renovate this vast, highly fragmented 112-hectare vineyard. Lascombes, bought by MACSF in 2011, is now back on the map.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the domain :

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the domain :

In 2011, Lascombes came under the control of MACSF, the mutual insurance company for the health professions, and has regained its composure and can now look to the future. The new owner has made no secret of his ambition to raise Lascombes to the level of a very good second growth. Under Dominique Befve's management, the cru has already made good progress in recent years, taking another step forward in the early 2010s. It is now on a steady course.

James Suckling

About the wine:

Complex nose combining elderberries, spices and aromas of black cherries and violets. Full-bodied and structured, with elegant tannins and a fleshy texture. Tasty finish. Try after 2024.

Yves Beck

About the wine:

Dense garnet red. As usual, Lascombes makes no attempt to hide itself, and stands out for its charm and relevance. It manages to perfectly reconcile ageing, fruit and terroir, but its nose clearly announces that you'll have to wait for it. This last point is confirmed on the palate, where the wine is delicious, juicy, suave and fresh! There's no shortage of paradoxes... and neither is Lascombes' ability to produce great wines! 2024-2048

Vert de Vin

About the wine:

The nose is elegant, aromatic and offers richness (in control), freshness, lovely definition as well as racy power and delicacy. Notes of pulpy blackberry, creamy raspberry and, more lightly, fleshy blueberry are combined with hints of fresh/ripe red berries, lily and subtle hints of bourbon vanilla bean, licorice, coffee/torrefaction, discreet hints of caramelization, roasted hazelnut and an imperceptible hint of pepper. The palate is nicely fresh, elegant, nicely conducted, elegant, precise, racy, all in mastery and offers greediness, roundness, suavity, a nice freshness, a tangy frame, a fine grain as well as concentration and controlled power. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of fleshy/juicy strawberry, juicy/fresh blackberry and, more lightly, pulpy blueberry, combined with touches of fresh/juicy red berries, as well as hints of violet, licorice, caramelization, camphor, a discreet touch of cardamom, chocolate, a subtle hint of pepper (in the background) and lily/varietal (adds a touch of freshness). Elegant, precise tannins. Good length.

Anthocyanes - Yohan Castaing

About the wine:

Slightly reduced, beautiful notes of mocha, spices and perfectly ripe black fruit. A touch of pepper on the palate, with juiciness, fleshiness and a heavy tannic load, all underpinned by a balanced, fresh structure. Beautiful tannins on the finish, with an airy, delicate finish.