2000 Lascombes, Margaux

“Plum-purple in colour, and once again a controlled freshness is on display, as has been the case in all of these older vintages. Significantly darker than the others tasted so far, just 10 years between this and the 1990 but the colour difference is far greater than between 1970 and 1990. Impressive wine, with plenty of balance, still relatively young, with none of the tertiary characeristics that you find in the older wines. Here instead you get cassis bud, grilled toast, tobacco, blackberry and blackcurrant, with curling edges of campfire and crayon, plenty of Left Bank signature. Lacks a little weight through the mid palate which turns into rigidity on the final moments, but this is enjoyable. 65% new oak (the last year when it sits at around this level until 2017). Bruno le Moine technical director. At this point they had routinely stopped including Cabernet Franc in the blend of the 1st wine.” (10/2023)

“The first of a succession of brilliant wines that have emerged from this previously moribund estate over the last decade, the fully mature 2000 Lascombes is an outstanding effort. Notes of cedarwood, roasted herbs, incense, black cherries, and currants emerge from this medium-bodied, evolved Margaux. (RP)” (06/2010)

“Bright, deep ruby. Sappy aromas of blackberry, violet and espresso. Slightly medicinal but sweet flavors of boysenberry and blackberry. Has a firm spine. This will ultimately merit a score at the higher end of my range if the slightly gritty tannins are refined during elevage. Under the direction of Alain Raynaud, the new American owners of this huge chateau did a strict selection of the best barrels for their 2000 grand vin. (ST)” (06/2001)

“Pleasant wine. Plenty of blackberry and currants, with hints of vanilla. Medium-bodied, with lovely, finely knit tannins and a long, berry and vanilla aftertaste. (JS)” (03/2003)