Château Lascombes 2005 — 2ème Cru Classé from Château Lascombes, Margaux, Bordeaux, France. This bottle represents the estate’s modern yet classically Margaux approach from the celebrated 2005 vintage.

The final blend is 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, sourced from the estate’s 120 ha of vineyards planted on gravel, clay/gravel and clay/limestone soils. The wine was aged for 18–20 months in French oak barrels, contributing to its structure and depth.

Tasting note (producer): on the nose, swirling the glass releases subtle spices, concentrated black fruits and liquorice, framed by fine toasted notes and roasted coffee-bean aromas. The palate opens smoothly and becomes explosive, with fruit-forward intensity while discreet oak sits in the background; the 2005 shows a pleasing balance of freshness, power, roundness and suaveness, finished by very classy tannins.

Critics’ notes: Robert Parker awarded this 2005 a powerful 95/100, calling it a “stunningly opulent” Margaux with a layered mouthfeel and a memorable 45+ second finish, and suggested a cellaring potential of 30–35 years (Robert Parker, Apr 2008). Jeff Leve scored it 92/100, noting pungent aromas of vanilla, blackberry, blueberry, licorice, black cherry and espresso and describing it as thick, rich and polished — a wine that may need up to a decade to shed some oak dominance (The Wine Cellar Insider, Jul 2011).

Why buy: this is a collectible Margaux from an excellent 2005 vintage — concentrated and structured, yet refined. High critic scores and proven ageing potential make it well suited to serious cellars or service on special occasions.

Serving suggestion: enjoy Château Lascombes 2005 with a roast rack of lamb with rosemary and garlic or a classic beef Wellington; it also complements mature hard cheeses such as Comté or aged cheddar for a memorable dining experience.