La Côte is perhaps best understood as a separate vineyard, of 4 contiguous plots amounting to some 4.5 hectares. The exact date of its purchase remains unclear. But it was certainly acquired by Lascombes after the 1855 classification. It was replanted in the 1980s exclusively with Merlot and is now very much in its prime. Intriguingly, it is surrounded not by Lascombes’ own vines, but by plots of Château Margaux’s Cabernet Sauvignon.

Why then, you might ask, was it planted with Merlot? The answer is simple and the secret to this project. It sits on an exceptional but also rather unique terroir – certainly for the Médoc. Like many of the best vineyard plots of the region is has a direct view of the Gironde, which is only 1.5 kilometres away. Here, this close to the water’s edge, the gravel layers of terraces three and four have been eroded. As a consequence, the soil itself is clay sitting atop a rare outcrop of relatively pure limestone. Indeed, this is not just ‘any old’ clay. For as the geological study commissioned on the purchase of the property revealed to Axel Heinz’s delight and amazement, the terroir here is characterised by the presence of veins of blue clay (such as is more typically associated with the loftiest parts of the plateau of Pomerol and, indeed, his former Tuscan home at Masseto).

94 Pts Vinous & Jeb Dunnuck
The 2022 La Côte de Lascombes is a new Merlot-based wine from Lascombes. It emerges from a few small blocks planted on clay/limestone soils that are very different from the gravelly soils that are more common in the château's holdings. Plump, juicy and seductive, the 2022 is a total charmer. Silky contours wrap around a core of pliant red/purplish-toned fruit. Sweet spice, flowers, mocha and a discreet touch of oak add layers of dimension as this opens over time. What a beautiful and promising wine it is. La Côte shows a bit more freshness and a lighter hand with oak than has been the norm at Lascombes. This is an impressive debut, especially considering Technical Director Axel Heintz arrived at Lascombes after harvest. Then again, Heintz spent more than 15 years at Masseto and Ornellaia, so he has considerable experience getting the most out of Merlot. - AG

A new wine from this château that's made from 100% Merlot planted on the more limestone portions of the estate, the 2022 La Cotes Lascombes has a ruby/purple hue to go with a supple, layered, beautifully textured style. It offers notes of eed and black fruits, graphite, crushed stone, and beautifully integrated oak. I love its overall balance, it has ripe, velvety tannins, and a great finish. It should keep for at least two decades. - JD