2005 Château Lascombes

Inky purple in colour even at 19 years old. This is exuberant in the style of Lascombes at the time, and it is holding up well, remaining expressive and enticing. Grilled cedar and sandalwood, blueberry and blackberry fruit, oak more evident than in the 2004 which is perhaps surprising giving the quality of the 2005 vintage, and surely speaks to choices in the cellar. Malolactic in barrel, elevage on the lees for 4 months using oxoline. Less finessed charm than some 2005 Margaux, but hard to argue with the quality. 40hl/h yield, harvest September 21 to October 19, 100% new oak. Dominique Befve director, Alain Raynaud and Michel Rolland consultant winemakers.

The 2005 Lascombes, served from jeroboam, has a well-defined nose with scents of blackberry, brine and cassis aromas percolating up with time, nicely focused. The palate is medium-bodied, with hints of menthol and liquorice infusing the black fruit. There is good density here though it is just missing a little finesse toward the finish. I find myself smitten by the aromas, but the palate leaves me wanting more.

Still a remnant of toasted oak on the nose, and the overall power even at 17 years on is striking. Good fleshy fruit, this clamps up on the finish suggesting that the tannins are still very much in action. It's broad shouldered, not particularly Margaux signature, but there is plenty of Cabernet Sauvingon influence, and it has impact. Damson fruit, incense and cocoa bean, supple and inviting. If you are a fan of a bigger style, I can easily recommend this. The Alain Raynaud and Michel Rolland era at Lascombes, under the ownership of Colony Capital.