2022 Lascombes (Margaux)

Aromas of oak, spices, overripe berries, graphite and pencil shavings stand out in this modern-styled, rather demonstrative 2022 Lascombes. Medium to full-bodied, chunky and over-extracted, the wine has a dense, rich, mouthfeel but a rather firm finish with prominent new-oak flavors. 86-89 points

All eyes on Lascombes as of the 2023 vintage with the arrival of Axel Heinz, making this 2022 a particularly interesting vintage for future comparisons. You`ll find a ton of black cherries, cassis, fragrant baked spices, bitter chocolate and fennel, with serious tannic grip and fresh acidities. Marked by the vintage, as you would expect from a vineyard that has plots in different soil types across Margaux, but it walks the line and there is plenty of lush fruit and personality to enjoy here. 60% new oak. The biggest change this year is the increase in Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, which was made possible by bringing the percentage of 1st wine down to 40%, 3.75, 36hl/h yield. New owners the Lawrence family with CEO Carlton McCoy involved in the blend, but not the growing season. The wine cellar was redone for 2021. 93 points

The 2022 Lascombes is a bold, sumptuous wine. Inky dark fruit, cloves, chocolate and copious French oak fill out the layers. Soft contours wrap it all together. As always, Lascombes is done in a flamboyant style. It will be interesting to see the direction new Estate Manager Axel Heinz takes when he assumes his post this summer. Tasted two times. 90-92 points