Château Lascombes, Margaux (Bordeaux, France) 2022 ($93)

Alex Heinz, the man responsible for the recent ascent of Ornellaia and Masseto, became the winemaker at Château Lascombes in the summer of 2023. So, although he did not make this wine, he influenced the blend. Less of the estate’s production went into this, the grand vin, which contains a higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon at the expense of Merlot compared to past vintages. The explosive bouquet correctly predicts what follows and what follows does not disappoint. The Cabernet adds needed structure to the opulent 2022, an amazingly fresh and vibrant wine, especially for its richness and the warmth of the vintage. Fine tannins impart a polished texture and likely are a result of Heinz diverting much of the production into a second wine. I can’t wait to see what he does when he actually makes the wine!
95 Michael Apstein – Feb 12, 2025