In 2009, Lascombes was still going long on exuberant expression, and it's still apparent after 10 years. The concentrated palate of ripe fruit, exotic spices and black olives, with some coal, tar and cloves on the finish giving a heavy oak stamp, is more about Lascombes and less about Margaux. It's good quality, but be aware of what you will be drinking.

A vintage famed for its ripe fruits and firm tannic hold, and one that leans into the style of Lascombes, showing exuberant spice. Black pepper, turmeric, smoked cumin, blueberry, blackberry, cassis puree, young in character and structure, less Margaux appellation typicity than you find in the older vintages, but it has a luscious quality, with a kick of eucalpytus helping to balance out the clear grilled and charred oak. Harvest September 28 to October 19. 90% new oak, and by this point Lascombes had risen to 120ha in AOC Margaux, making it the biggest of the classified growths. 43hl/h yield. Dominique Befve director, Alain Raynaud and Michel Rolland consultant winemaker.

With noticeable oak, licorice, jam, smoke and ripe, black and blue fruits, this rich, concentrated, supple wine, produced from a blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot ends with a rich, chocolate coated, blackberry, coffee and licorice finish. I like the wine. But I'd like to see a little less oak. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=2009&wine=Chateau%20Lascombes

92+ The 2009 Lascombes is blessed with a classy, very well defined, cedar and forest floor scented bouquet with seamlessly integrated oak. This has real style and panache. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a silky smooth texture with sweet black cherry, boysenberry, white pepper and cedar notes. Unlike some others, it is never cloying, but it does need bottle age, at least a decade. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting. -- Neal Martin

The medium to deep garnet colored 2009 Lascombes reveals notes of stewed plums, baked blackberries and dried mulberries with touches of sweaty leather, raisin cake and hoisin. Full-bodied with a rugged, chewy frame, the mid-palate gives a good core of earth-laced fruit, finishing a little rustic. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown