Lascombes 2016

Chateau Lascombes, the mighty modern Margaux Cru known for balanced and delicate wines, has a beautiful deep ruby colour with a narrow and light pink rim. This 2016 has violet notes of ripe red fruits and vanilla oak on the still-raw nose. The highly extracted palate is spice, sweet vanilla from the toasty oak, black cherry fruit, and a hint of cigar box, mint and spice. Inky, medium on the palate with intensity and concentration of fresh ripe fruit. The blend in 2016, 50% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot, from a yield of 45hl/ha, contributes to the wine's unique character and flavour profile.

Tannic and woody, it recalls elements of 2015 I tasted: the structure is dense and firm and will age nicely for another decade. However, judging from the tastings, it has less potential than 2015 and is undoubtedly more enjoyable in the immediate (within the next 2-3 years) and intermediate terms (within the next 5-7 years).

The scores speak for themselves: JS95, RP94+. Compared to 2015, this 2016 vintage exudes a more natural and age-worthy essence. Anson has even hailed it as a worthy successor to the 2015, with an added layer of deep black pepper and cinnamon spicing. While the tannins may be tight, the clear oak structure instils confidence in its potential for ageing. However, JR's critique of its modernity, with its sweet oak and concentrated fruit, is worth noting.