Chateau LascombesProducer from Bordeaux, France

Margaux, Bordeaux.

Bordeaux 1855 Classification: Second Growth

Château Lascombes, located in the prestigious Margaux appellation, is a Second Growth estate from the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, celebrated for its opulent and structured wines. With a rich history that spans several centuries, Château Lascombes has successfully blended tradition with modern innovation, producing wines that are both powerful and elegant. The estate has consistently earned acclaim from wine critics and connoisseurs alike, making it a cornerstone of Margaux winemaking.

History of Château Lascombes

The history of Château Lascombes dates back to the 17th century when it was established by Antoine, Chevalier de Lascombes. The estate remained in the Lascombes family for over a century before it was sold to Jean-François de Lascombes in the 18th century, who expanded the property and developed its reputation as a leading producer in Margaux. The estate gained further recognition during the 19th century, particularly when it was classified as a Second Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, an honour that solidified its status among the elite estates of Bordeaux.

Throughout the 20th century, Château Lascombes underwent several ownership changes, each contributing to the estate’s development and modernisation. The most significant transformation occurred in 2001 when the estate was acquired by Colony Capital, an American investment firm. This period saw substantial investments in the vineyard and winemaking facilities, leading to a marked improvement in the quality of the wines. In 2011, the estate was sold to the Mutual Insurance Group MACSF, which has continued the commitment to excellence.

Under the guidance of experienced winemakers, Château Lascombes has embraced a modern approach to winemaking while respecting the traditions that have defined its character for centuries. This balance of old and new has enabled Lascombes to produce wines that are rich, complex, and capable of ageing gracefully, making it one of the most respected names in the Margaux appellation.

The Terroir of Château Lascombes

The terroir of Château Lascombes is one of its most valuable assets, playing a crucial role in the character and quality of its wines. The estate’s 120 hectares of vineyards are situated on the diverse soils of Margaux, which include gravel, clay, and limestone. These soils provide excellent drainage, allowing the vines to thrive and produce grapes of exceptional quality.

The vineyard is planted with a unique mix of grape varieties for the Margaux appellation: 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petit Verdot. This blend reflects Château Lascombes’ distinctive approach to winemaking, where Merlot plays a more significant role than is typical in Margaux. The high proportion of Merlot adds a rich, supple texture to the wines, while Cabernet Sauvignon provides structure, and Petit Verdot contributes aromatic complexity and depth.

The estate's proximity to the Gironde estuary creates a favourable microclimate that moderates temperatures and reduces the risk of frost, ensuring a long and even growing season. This unique combination of soil and climate conditions allows Château Lascombes to produce wines that are both powerful and refined, with a remarkable ability to age gracefully over decades.

Winemaking at Château Lascombes

Winemaking at Château Lascombes is a meticulous process that honours tradition while embracing modern innovations. The grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted to ensure that only the best fruit is used in the winemaking process. Fermentation takes place in a combination of temperature-controlled stainless steel and concrete vats, allowing for precise control over the fermentation process and ensuring that the wines develop their full range of flavours and tannins.

The wines are then aged in French oak barrels for 18 to 20 months, with around 60% new oak used each year. This ageing process enhances the wines' complexity and depth, allowing the tannins to soften and the flavours to integrate harmoniously. The result is a wine that is both approachable in its youth and capable of developing greater complexity and nuance over time.