1996 Château Lascombes

Château Lascombes is a Second Growth Margaux, according to the official 1855 classification. The 200-acre estate in Bordeaux was founded in the 17th century by Chevalier de Lascombes, and it stayed in the Lascombes family for several generations. In the 20th century the estate was purchased in 1952 by the legendary wine writer Alexis Lichine. Today it is owned by the U.S.-based consortium Colony Capital. The new owners have invested significantly in the estate to modernize its cellars and winemaking equipment. The blend is typically 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot.

Margaux is one of Bordeaux’s most famous appellations and also one of its largest, with about 3,400 acres of vineyards. Located on the Left Bank of the Gironde River, Margaux has the greatest number of classified-growth châteaux (or crus classé) according to the 1855 classification. There are twenty-one crus classé, including the most famous estate, the first growth Château Margaux. The Margaux appellation includes vineyards around the village of Margaux and the villages of Arsac, Cantenac, d’Issan, Labarde and Soussans. Wines from the best Margaux châteaux and vintages are prized for their perfumey fragrance and elegant, silky mouthfeel. Margaux wines are predominately Cabernet Sauvignon blended with Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.