robert_parker90

The first superb Lascombes in nearly 35 years, this generous, deep ruby/purple-colored 2000 does not possess the complexity or finesse of the 2001, but offers plenty of perfumed, smoky licorice, black currant, and cherry fruit in a medium-bodied, long, concentrated style with no hard edges. While it possesses a more muscular, tannic character than the 2001, it is clearly the finest wine made at this estate since their classic 1966 and 1970. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2016.

robert_parker91

This beauty is undoubtedly the finest Lascombes produced in more than thirty years. A tribute to an incredibly severe selection as well as the consulting skills of Alain Raynaud and Yves Vatelot, this 2000 continues to develop beautifully. Its deep purple color is accompanied by a sweet perfume of smoke, licorice, minerals, and black fruits. With excellent texture, low acidity, a long, concentrated mid-palate, and an impressive finish, this medium-bodied Margaux should be drinkable early, but evolve nicely for 15-18 years.

robert_parker90

At the MW horizontal in November 2004. Very little on the nose. Muted. A touch of black cherry and cassis. The palate is very fresh with notes of liquorice and blackcurrant. It just lacks the poise of the better Margaux wines and the persistency on the finish. May improve. Drink from 2010.

robert_parker90

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. Consume it over the next 7-8 years.

robert_parker92

This estate was recently sold to an American consortium, which has put Dr. Alain Raynaud (of Quinault l'Enclos and La Fleur de Gay), Yves Vatelot (proprietor of the over-achieving generic Bordeaux, Reignac), and Bruno Le Moine (formerly of Montrose) in charge of the winemaking. It is clearly an estate to watch closely given the immense investment being made in the vineyard and winery, as well as the strict selection process first employed in the 2000 vintage. Only 30% of the crop went into the 2000 Lascombes, and the final blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot has produced the finest Lascombes in over 35 years. Lascombes' 2000, a sleeper of the vintage, exhibits a deep ruby purple color as well as sweet, concentrated, jammy black currant fruit intermixed with dried herbs, earth, cedar, and spice. This deep, velvety-textured, charming, sexy wine has such low acidity and ripe tannin that it will be hard to resist young. Anticipated maturity: now-2016.

vinous90

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