2005 - Lascombes, Margaux

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 is a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-brick in color, it leaps with a vibrant nose of boysenberries, cassis, and wild blueberries with suggestions of menthol and cedar. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers a firm, fine-grained texture with lovely freshness and purity, culminating in a long fruity finish. Delicious now, it should keep a further 15 years+. Around 25,000 cases were made. Lascombes is the largest vineyard in Margaux at nearly 300 acres, 50% planted to Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petit Verdot.

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.