Chateau Lascombes 2001

Jane Anson: "Deep plum in colour, more concentrated than many 2001 Margaux with bags of charm and still fiirm tannins at 22 years old. Gunsmoke, rose petals, leather, tobacco, and a fresh cushion of mint leaf. The beginning of tertiary character is clear, but no rush to drink. A transformational vintage at Lascombes, as Colony Capital arrived in 2001, as did Dominique Befve as director, current winemaker Delphine Barboux as quality manager and Alain Raynaud consulting winemaker along with Michel Rolland. 84ha vineyard. 100% new oak, 84ha, 30hl/h yield, malolactic fermentation in barrel, with ageing on the lees using the oxoline system, harvest October 1 to 12."

The Wine Advocate: "The 2000 was the finest Lascombes produced in over three decades, and the 2001 continues the great success this estate is enjoying under the guidance of Yves Vatelot (of Chateau Reignac) and Dr. Alain Raynaud (Chateau Quinault l’Enclos). A blend of 55% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petit Verdot, it spent 18 months in cask (4 on its lees), and was bottled unfiltered. A dense ruby/purple color is accompanied by ripe aromas of spring flowers, blueberries, blackberries, and cassis. Medium-bodied, stylish, and elegant, with sweet tannin, impressive concentration, tremendous persistence as well as flavor intensity, and a 40+ second finish."

Weinwisser: "Mittleres Granat, feiner Rand aussen. Parfümiertes, verführerisches Bouquet, dropsige Noten, aber auch reife, pflaumige Frucht, Himbeerkerne, Cakefrüchte und Melissenduft. Im Gaumen zart, weich und cremig, wunderschöne Balance, viel reife, beerige Frucht, dunkles Caramel, süss ausstrahlende Tannine, eine delikate Würzigkeit in sich tragend. Auffällig besser als die enttäuschenden, älteren Jahrgänge, gehört vielleicht einmal zu den besten Margaux des Jahrgangs, bei gleich bleibender Qualität bis zur Flaschenfüllung kann der Wein vielleicht noch einen Punkt zulegen."

The Wine Cellar Insider: "Fully ready for prime time the wine is soft, round and on the floral, earthy, black cherry side of the style range. Not at all over oaked, as you find in numerous, subsequent vintages, the wine is medium/full bodied, delivering freshness and ripe, earthy, red fruits in the finish."

Wine Spectator: "Intense aromas of blackberries, licorice and earth. Full-bodied, with lots of smoky oak and medium ripe fruit. A wine that is well-constructed, modern and interesting. One of the best Lascombes I have tasted. American-owned."