2017 Lascombes (Margaux)

The 2017 Lascombes feels a little smudged on the nose compared to its peers, though I find it less decadent and ostentatious than other recent vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin, dense black fruit, quite spicy in style but the finish feels focused and with more tension and energy than I expected. Not bad at all. 89-91 points

This is just a little bit off the pace, yet it`s a wine that I really enjoy, and you can see the careful construction through the palate. The smoked cedar oak is there, and the redcurrant and raspberry fruits are textured, layered with attractive damsons. It`s just not delivering on the excitement that this estate has been so adept at achieving in recent vintages. 90 points

Deep crimson. Fragrant with cassis fruit and leaf and an inviting note of graphite. Firm, dry, well-structured but with the fruit to hold the centre. Persistent but slightly dry on the finish. 16 points

The medium to deep garnet-purple