Château Lascombes Margaux La Côte Lascombes 2024

Third vintage of this new Lascombes wine, drawn from a 4.5ha plot of 60 year old Merlot vines on clay-limestone soils. Inevitably the background of estate director Axel Heinz comes into play here, but don’t expect Bolgheri-style power. Instead, as with the inaugural 2022 vintage, this manages to express ripe fruits without falling into overripe – an easier feat to achieve in 2024, and the initial focus is on aromatics. There is concentration though, with waves of red plum, sage, cocoa bean, tobacco, violets, a slow build with a subtle mouthwatering quality on the finish. Will not be released En Primeur. Lawrence Wine Estates owner.