Chateau Lascombes 2016 (1x150cl)

Midnight oil? Dense black purple to the rim, the 2009 Lascombes has enormous concentration, with loads of graphite, blackberry, and blueberry notes as well as hints of pen ink and truffle. The wine is super-intense, full-bodied, fleshy, and rich. This is another wine that will compete with the 2005, which is certainly the best Lascombes I have ever tasted. (Tasted three times.)

Fascinating aromas of crushed berries and fresh herbs follow through to a full body, with velvety, polished tannins and a long, long finish. Wonderful wine. More reserved than the 2005, but potentially better. Score range: 92-95 -JS

Aromas of black tea, blackberries, blueberries and coffee bean, follow through to a full body, with velvety tannins and a juicy finish. Lovely mouth feel. Very well done. Try in 2019.

Inky, glass-staining purple. Chocolatey torrefaction and herbs currently dominate black fruit aromas on the nose. Much more fruit-dominated in the mouth: pure, rich, almost decadently ripe blackberry and cassis flavors are plush and creamy, but possess excellent grip and precision. Very polished tannins give the luscious finish an ultrasmooth texture. Maybe a bit more New than Old World, but this version of Lascombes is much more reminiscent of classic Bordeaux than other recent vintages and appears to be the best vintage here in years.

92-94 Barrel sample. Big ripe and juicy, with a core of dark spice and wood. The wine is full-bodied, richly fruity.