Chateau Lascombes 2004

Good bright ruby. Classic Lascombe nose of blackcurrant, blackberry, floral coffee, mocha, chocolate and game. The palate reflects the same, but the finish is sweet, dense, and lush, with plenty of acidity that gives the wine shape and structure. They are relatively concentrated for 2004. There are some rigidities, but they are classic—medium finish. Scores are OK. Parker et al. think quite highly of the wine.

93 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Another brilliant effort from this estate, the 2004 Lascombes (a blend of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petit Verdot) exhibits a deep blue/purple hue along with a sweet perfume of blueberries, black raspberries, cherries, incense, smoke, and spring flowers. While abundant, underneath the full-bodied richness of fruit and depth is a structured wine. As it sits in the glass, an espresso roast character (no doubt from new oak) also emerges. (RP) (6/2007)

A significantly updated tasting is from Jane Anson, who wrote about the Vibrant plum purple colour, the plenty of structure and tannic despite it having approached 20 years old, and you can see at this point that a more muscular style of Lascombes was being produced compared to the earlier decades of this vertical. Silky texture, blueberry, pie crust, liquorice root, mint leaf, soot, cocoa bean, with pockets of air that carry you through the palate. It is an enjoyable example of an often-overlooked vintage. 44hl/h yield, harvest October 1 to 25, 85% new oak for ageing, still Oxoline with ageing on the lees. Dominique Befve is the director, and Alain Raynaud and Michel Rolland are the consultant winemakers.  (10/2023).

So the news that Lawrence Wine Estates has bought Château Lascombes from previous owners Mutuelle d'Assurance du Corps de Santé Français (MACSF, due to continuing as minority partners) has created headlines the world over, and plenty of nervous anticipation within Bordeaux as is always the case when these prized estates ...

Chateau Kirwan 2010 Updated

Dense purple and weighty, Kirwan 2010 is still muscular yet relatively closed. In great contrast to the 2000 and 2012 that we tried in a roll, this 2010 is tangy and elegant; lilac, purple flowers, mineral, red currant, and cherry notes mingle together and carry through the focused finish. Long, bodied, tensioned. 2010 is blend with 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot. Farr mentioned that the Boissenots had consulted here since 2007 (replacing Michel Rolland), and the wine is now less new-oak, less late-picked and less jammy in style. Kirwan is now a wine of classic Margaux elegance. There is good purity and structure, well-rounded tannins, and attractive red fruit. Still, it will need some time to open.

Kirwan 2010 is controversial if you read most of the tastings from better-known Bordeaux wine tasters.

Robert Parket et al. and VertdeVin think this wine is not for now. Awarded it 92+, RP et al. say in the style of vintage 2010, Kirwan 2010 is, as always, a blockbuster with the more masculine side of the appellation providing density, power, a big body, loads of fruit, extract and richness. However, RP et al. wrote this is not for now. Awarding it 95 points, VertdeVIn gives a contrasting tasting, saying the nose is elegant and aromatic and offers gourmandize, a certain richness, and concentration (but full of control). Vertdevin wrote this wine should be decanted so that the red and black fruit from primary through secondary to tertiary stages are to develop. It will have a good length if you oxygenate it enough. We find ourselves more in agreement with VertdeVin, at least with this: decanting dramatically helps.

The other camp(GG and WE) thinks it is time to crack a bottle of Kirwan 2010. Gilbert and Gailliard thought this wine was ready. They gave 95 points and commended its alluring, refined nose of fresh red fruit with subtle oak; its fleshy, fruit-driven attack, warmer mid-palate framing evident tannins. Wine Enthusiast awarded it 94 points, commending this total fruity wine's balance structure(acidity and ripeness) and its new black-currant character. It will develop relatively quickly but could hold at its peak for many years.

Two roads(views) diverged, though are not obliged to take anyone, but then took the other, each maybe just as fair.

Chateau St Pierre 2006 and 2013 revisited.

The 2013 and 2006 Château Saint-Pierre wines are two exclusive offerings that showcase the youthful character of St. Julien Crus despite their age. With their deep, captivating ruby colour and tight garnet rim, these wines exemplify how well St. Julien can age. As noted by discerning BBR tasters, these classic St. Juliens are crafted for longevity, thanks to their massive structure and remarkable potential.

The 2013 vintage may initially present a woodier aroma, but this soon evolves to blend seamlessly with the dark fruit notes derived from the 65% Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. This composition contributes a firm, currant-like fragrance and crisp, fresh acidity that invigorates the palate. As you savour the wine, the intense black jammy fruits become increasingly prominent, showcasing their sweetness and intensity. The concentrated blackberries envelop the palate, resulting in a focused and concentrated experience that culminates in a generous, perfectly balanced wine with ample power for its classification and vintage. While the finish is short by cru standard, the wine's dense core and persistent finish contribute to its elegance and subtle complexity.

The 2006 vintage of Château Saint-Pierre is regarded as one of the finest St. Juliens of its year and is considered a rare gem. It is a prized find with one of the smaller productions within this consistent appellation. This wine features notes of roasted herbs, coal, graphite, and extravagant crème de cassis, complemented by hints of liquorice and its deep opaque purple colour. It is powerful, rich, and deep, offering outstanding balance, purity, texture, and length. Compared to the 2013 vintage, the exceptional 2006 will remain viable for a long time.

Although the 2013 vintage may not appear particularly noteworthy, it offers remarkable value for its structure. This wine exceeds expectations with its potent body, robust tannins, and inviting texture. Some international critics have rated it highly, placing it in the 89-90 point range, while we rate it at DD91. Moreover, JS recently upgraded its score to 91, affirming its quality and exceptional value.

After 18 years in the bottle, the 2006 vintage exhibits even more "sexy" aromas and flavours of black and red currants, menthol, liquorice, and nutty oak, accentuated by a violet top note. The palate remains supple, classically dry, and exceptionally concentrated, with juicy acidity that enhances the flavours and extends the finish. A sound tannic structure should guarantee at least two more decades of development in the bottle for this sophisticated Saint-Julien. As it evolves, the 2006 Château Saint-Pierre reveals a ripe bouquet of blackberry, kirsch, cedar, and liquorice, signalling its approach to its optimal drinking window. The palate is sweet on entry, with liquorice-tinged black fruit complemented by slightly rustic tannins, concluding with a pleasantly spicy and peppery finish. Despite not possessing the precision of the 2013, the 2006 Saint-Pierre displays impressive depth.

What sets these 2013 and 2006 wines apart from other St. Julien crus is their affordability, making them attractive options for everyday enjoyment. They both capture the best characteristics of the Left Bank region, making them delightful choices for wine enthusiasts at all levels. Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or a casual drinker, these exceptional wines will enchant you with their complex flavours, perfect balance, and impressive depth.