Chateau Lascombes Tasting - New and Old

A tasting of Bordeaux second growth, Chateau Lascombes at Les 110 de Taillevent

Chateau Lascombes is a second-growth Bordeaux based in Margaux - in simple terms, this means it is very good indeed, one of the best, and that the wines have a certain fleshiness to them.

In pricing terms, this makes Lascombes expensive-but-not-ridiculous. In a good year, you might buy the second wine for a fraction of the price and have a wine that will last and age to complex maturity.

Our tasting started with the 2016 - the first ever showing of this wine, it had ben brought over the day before in suitaceses.

This was followed by older vintages for a sense of perspective.

Blended by Michel Rolland, the 2016 is considered to be from a better year than 2010. Drinking nicely now, Serena Sutcliffe MW pronounced it rich and easy to drink.

Lascombes 2016 ripe bramble fruit, plump and fleshy, supple and harmonious with soft, rounded tannins; long with a firm, athletic core. Very Good.

With starter

Chevalier de Lascombes 2010 vibrant and fresh second wine from a good year; still youthful and primary. Rounded and harmonious. Very Good.

Lascombes 2011 classic mature Bordeaux; lighter, more evolved and less substantial than the 2010. Good.

With main

Lascombes 2009 from a warm year; big with alcohol and grip. Still quite primary with good freshness and firm tannins. Good.

Lascombes 2005 lovely mature Medoc, classic and typical with no rough edges or flaws. Very Good Indeed.

With dessert

Lascombes 2001 from an overlooked vintage, fully mature Medoc with freshness, precision, vibrant acidity and a muscular core, even if the fruit is becoming a little dried and herbaceous. Very Good.