Lascombes, Chateau
Summary
Château Lascombes is a Second Growth estate in Margaux spanning 120 hectares across gravelly and clay-limestone soils, producing Cabernet Sauvignon-led blends with an unusually high proportion of Merlot for the appellation. The estate combines traditional Bordeaux winemaking with modern techniques, utilizing gravity-flow concrete vats and optical sorting for precise vinification before aging their grand vin in 80% new French oak for up to 24 months.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Lascombes holds classification as a Second Growth (Deuxième Cru) estate from the historic 1855 Bordeaux Classification. The property's documented modern era began when Alexis Lichine acquired the estate in 1952, initiating significant renovations of both the château and winemaking facilities. In 2001, Colony Capital purchased the estate and implemented extensive modernization of the technical facilities. MACSF, a French insurance group, took ownership in 2011, continuing investments in both vineyard and cellar operations.
Vineyards & Wines
The estate encompasses 120 hectares of vineyards in the Margaux appellation, representing one of the largest vineyard holdings among classified growths in the Médoc. The vineyard composition reflects the diversity of Margaux terroir, with 55% gravelly soils and 45% clay-limestone plots. The plantings consist of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot. This unusually high proportion of Merlot for the Margaux appellation allows the estate to produce wines that combine the classical structure of Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot's depth.
Philosophy & Practice
The winemaking at Lascombes centers on precision and plot-by-plot vinification. The 2001 cellar renovation introduced concrete gravity-flow vats, allowing for gentle handling of the fruit. Each vineyard parcel ferments separately in temperature-controlled vessels. The grand vin ages for 18-24 months in French oak barrels, with 80% new oak integration. The estate employs optical sorting technology to ensure optimal berry selection. A second wine, Chevalier de Lascombes, receives similar attention to detail in its production, though with reduced new oak exposure during aging.