Chateau Lascombes is one of Bordeaux's most historic chateaux and largest estates in the Haut-Medoc region. Founded in the 17th century by French nobility, Lascombes' history dates back to the 12th century, when vines were first planted. While the chateau experienced underwhelming vintages throughout the 20th century, the recent acquisition by Gaylon Lawrence Jr. and subsequent appointment of Axel Heinz have propelled Chateau Lascombes back to the top of Bordeaux winemaking.
Chateau Lascombes History
Chateau Lascombes was formally founded in 1625 by the Dufort de Duras family, who later disinherited the estate to Chevalier Antoine de Lascombes. Under his rule, the chateau was renamed 'Domaine de Lascombes' and gained much notoriety in the Margaux appellation. The succeeding owners, the Chaix d'Esta-Ange dynasty, furthered this success and led Chateau Lascombes to Second Growth status in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification.
The Chaix d'Esta-Ange family renamed the estate to 'Chateau Lascombes' before ownership passed through multiple hands, eventually landing at the feet of the Ginestet family. The Ginestets owned Chateau Lascombes throughout World War II, during which the chateau acted as a haven for Allied French soldiers. A famous encounter involved the visit of German soldiers, who were deterred by fake scaffolding placed at the entrance by Canadian Brigadier General Raymond Brutinel. The Germans left at the sight of the scaffolding, believing the building was deteriorated and unworthy of capturing.
Consequently, the Ginestets retained ownership and later sold the chateau to a group of American investors in 1952. The syndicate included Alexis Lichine and David Rockefeller, who invested large sums of money to refurbish the chateau and replant the vineyard. Production tripled under the rule of Lichine, who then sold Lascombes to Bass Charrington, a British brewing company. While the new proprietors instated renowned winemaker Rene Vanatelle, Chateau Lascombes fell into despair and spent the remainder of the 20th century known as an underperforming Margaux estate.
It was not until the $67 million acquisition by Colony Capital in 2001 that Lascombes recouped its reputation. The American firm reportedly invested $47 million into estate renovations, including a new winemaking facility comprising a four-level, gravity-fed vat room, and the acquisition of Michel Rolland, Alain Reynaud, and Yves Vatelot. Today, Chateau Lascombes is owned by billionaire Gaylon Lawrence Jr. of the Lawrence Family. The acquisition marked the family's move into Bordeaux winemaking, having already owned Heitz Cellar and Stony Hill Vineyard.
Axel Heinz: Renowned Winemaker
Legendary winemaker Axel Heinz was named Director and CEO of Chateau Lascombes in March 2023. The appointment was the first major move by Gaylon Lawrence Jr., signalling a strong intent to catapult Lascombes back to its Second Growth reputation.
Axel Heinz formerly served as Ornellaia and Masseto's estate director beginning in 2006 and was best known for crafting some of the estates' greatest vintages to date. Upon his move to Lascombes, Heinz stated he wished to return the Second Growth icon to its Margaux origins:
“After 18 years spent in Tuscany it is time for me to return home. Along with Gaylon Lawrence, Jr. and Carlton, I intend on leading this historic Bordeaux estate into its next great chapter.” — Axel Heinz
His first major effort appeared in the 2023 vintage, when Heinz dramatically decreased the quantity of the Grand Vin and increased the amount of Cabernet Sauvignon in the final cuvée. Furthermore, Heinz introduced a new label to the Lascombes portfolio: La Côte Lascombes. The wine is 100% Merlot grown on a small, 5-hectare plot of 34-year-old vines on blue clay. Rather than wasting the expensive Merlot on the Grand Vin, Heinz used his expertise at Masseto, one of the world's greatest Merlot producers, to craft a unique Margaux offering and invigorate excitement into Chateau Lascombes' new look.
Chateau Lascombes Margaux Terroir
Chateau Lascombes is the largest estate in Margaux, comprising nearly 12% of the entire appellation. The chateau is set atop gravelly hilltops at an altitude of 20 meters, one of the highest in the appellation. Over 120 hectares are located in Margaux, with a remaining 10-hectare parcel in the Haut Medoc. Almost 50% of the plantings are Merlot vines, an unusually high number in Margaux. However, after Axel Heinz's appointment, the team is planting increasing Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon vines, and decreasing the number of Merlot vines.
Much of the estate is based on gravel soils, though some Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot vines are planted on clay-gravel soil, and another plot of clay-limestone holds Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Chateau Lascombe Wine Portfolio
Lascombes wine is best known for its rich texture, ripe fruit, and elegant tannins. Throughout much of the 2000s, the winemaking team catered to Robert Parker's taste, crafting fruit-forward, oaky blends that earned the chateau high scores. In recent times, Lascombes is looking to reconnect to its Margaux identity, crafting more elegant cuvée's that feature Lascombes' distinct DNA.
Chateau Lascombes 2009
One of the estate's greatest efforts came in the much-heralded 2009 Bordeaux vintage, in which Chateau Lascombes earned 93-point scores from Jane Anson and James Suckling, respectively. The renowned critics praised the bottling as a rustic expression of Margaux containing a concentrated fruit palate and a fresh finish. Many believe the bottle can last for up to twenty years in the cellar.
Chateau Lascombes Margaux 2003
The 2003 Chateau Lascombes is the highest rating the estate has earned from Robert Parker, earning a 94-point score. Furthermore, Neal Martin of Vinous Media labelled the vintage, "A Margaux standout in 2003." The bottle was celebrated for its silky tannins, rich profile, and earthy aromas. After nearly 20 years of bottle aging, this wine is estimated to be in its peak drinking window.
Chevalier de Lascombes
Chevalier de Lascombes is the estate's second wine and was first crafted in the 1982 vintage. The wine was named after the original proprietor and was first crafted from leftover fruit not used in the Grand Vin, comprising Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. It has been celebrated for its vibrant, fruit-forward notes and signature Margaux silkiness. Furthermore, Chevalier de Lascombes provides the perfect introduction to Lascombes wine, selling at a fraction of the Grand Vin and best enjoyed in its youth.
Haut Medoc de Lascombes
Le Haut Médoc de Lascombes is the chateau's third wine, first introduced in the 2007 vintage. The wine is a Merlot-dominant blend with remaining amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Bottles are known for their soft, fresh tannins and blackberry notes on the palate.
La Côte Lascombes
La Côte Lascombes is the newest addition to Chateau Lascombes' wine portfolio. The wine was first produced in the 2022 vintage after the new head winemaker, Axel Heinz, discovered the estate's 5-acre Merlot plot. The vines are grown on blue clay, which retains enough water for the Merlot vines, which are known to over-ripen in Bordeaux. Furthermore, Axel Heinz's vast experience with the varietal at Masseto has empowered the winemaker to create one of Bordeaux's most exciting new wines.
Add Lascombes Wine to Your Cellar
Chateau Lascombes combines every factor Bordeaux drinkers look for in a wine: heritage, pedigree, and high-quality wines. These Bordeaux-classed wines are one of Margaux's greatest cuvée's and, with new ownership and winemaking, looks to further increase its stock. Discover your next cellar addition through our in-stock Chateau Lascombes wines.
