The year 2022 was hot and dry throughout the Bordeaux region. In addition to a lack of water in the winter, spring frosts damaged the early new shoots of 4 April, and the summer was marked by repeated heat waves. Although fruit ripening was delayed due to the drought, it subsequently accelerated rapidly, resulting in high concentration. The harvest took place from the 7th to the 27th of September. It was carried out by hand in several stages for each plot, tailored to the ripeness of that specific plot.
The resulting wine is rich yet not overly heavy. Maceration lasted 30 to 35 days; the duration was not determined by a fixed schedule but was decided based on daily tastings. Fermentation was carried out using the infusion method, employing gentle techniques to avoid excessive agitation. The yield was 36 hl/ha, and the alcohol content was 14%. The wine was aged in barrels (60% of which were new) for 18 months.
The tannins require time to mature. This wine will be at its best between 2028 and 2044.
James Suckling (94)
This is a full-bodied Bordeaux with lots of velvety tannins and intensity. It’s a bit old-school now with so much fruit and texture, but it’s impressive, to say the least. Plenty of blackcurrant and blueberry character. Shows the richness of the vintage.
Vinous (91)
The 2022 Lascombes has quite an intense nose, with brambly black fruit, gravel and light pencil shavings scents unfolding in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, good depth and volume, fine acidity and quite a minerally style, with admirable precision on the finish. This is very promising, though this is one example where the 2023 may well supersede the previous vintage. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting in London.
Jeb Dunnuck (96)
Based on 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, the 2022 Château Lascombes pulls from 40% of the total production and was aged 18 months mostly in barrels (60% new) with a small portion in foudre. This inky hued beauty boasts a rich, concentrated, full-bodied, well-oaked style as well as pure cassis and darker berry fruits, some graphite, scorched earth, and licorice nuances, terrific overall balance, and a great finish. This more modern styled, pure, seamless beauty will benefit from 4-6 years of bottle age and keep for 30 years.
Falstaff (95)
Dark ruby, purple reflections, delicate ochre rim. An inviting bouquet, with notes of caramel, hints of liquorice and black fruits of the forest, a subtle touch of nougat. Complex and tightly woven, with a chocolaty texture, fine acidity, supporting tannins and a lingering finish. Still needs time, definite further ageing potential.
