Magaux Second Growth Chateau Lascombes has 120 hectares under vine, accounting for 12% of the entire appellation. That makes it the largest estate in Margaux, and one of the largest of any estates to have made it into the 1855 classification. It is also a property that has made a huge mark on the story of the commune. In the 17th century, it sold grapes to Chateau Margaux (and these were recorded as being among the very best quality they received). The high regard in which it was held carried through to the nineteenth century, when it was classed as a Second Growth. Thereafter, it fell on hard times. In 1952, it was purchased by the American wine writer Alexis Lichine, a tireless promoter of Bordeaux, and its profile shot up again. More recent corporate owners have invested heavily in the vineyard and the cellar, and Lascombes is very much living up to its potential. The vineyards are spread across the commune, in three main areas. There’s a gravelly section where it’s all Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, then more mixed clay-gravel soils where Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are planted together, then several clay-rich parcels planted entirely with Merlot. Merlot makes up half the total plantings, which is unusual in the context of Margaux, and explains the relatively rich profile of the wine. (NT 05/08/25)