Chevalier de Lascombes Margaux is the second wine of Château Lascombes, a Merlot-dominant Bordeaux red from the Margaux appellation bottled at 13–14% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2022 vintage earned 90 points from Antonio Galloni at Vinous, confirming its standing among the more compelling second wines in the Médoc. Quick Facts: ABV: 13–14% (varies by vintage) | Origin: Margaux, Bordeaux, France | Second Wine | Estate: Château Lascombes (Deuxième Grand Cru Classé, 1855 Classification) Production & Heritage Château Lascombes holds the rank of Deuxième Grand Cru Classé in the 1855 Classification of the Médoc, placing it among Bordeaux's most historically significant estates. Chevalier de Lascombes is produced from parcels distinct from those reserved for the grand vin, carrying an unusually high proportion of Merlot for the left bank — roughly 70% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3% Petit Verdot in recent vintages. The wine is aged approximately 18 months in French oak barrels, giving it structure and polish without overwhelming the fruit-forward character that defines this cuvée. Tasting Notes Aroma: Lifted violet perfume greets the nose first, followed by ripe red plum and bright cassis. Deeper notes of menthol, subtle oak spice, and a faint meaty undertone emerge with air. Taste: The entry is soft and medium-bodied, led by ripe red cherry and blackberry fruit. At mid-palate, blood orange and floral spice add complexity, while the Merlot-heavy blend delivers a velvety, open-knit texture. Darker, almost blue-toned fruit builds toward the peak, balanced by gentle tannic grip. Finish: Moderately long with firm but fine-grained tannins and a lingering thread of red berry and spice. A slight drying quality at the very end gives the wine a classic Margaux sense of restraint. How to Drink Chevalier de Lascombes This Margaux is best enjoyed at cellar temperature (60–65°F) with 30 to 60 minutes of decanting to allow the aromatics to fully open. It drinks well on its own but truly sings alongside food. Braised lamb shanks — the wine's velvety tannins mirror the richness of slow-cooked meat. Roast duck breast with cherry reduction — the red-fruit core of the wine echoes and amplifies the sauce. Aged Comté or Gruyère — a firm, nutty cheese highlights the wine's subtle oak spice and lengthens the finish. Best For Introducing a Bordeaux enthusiast to classified-growth Margaux at an accessible tier Pairing with a refined dinner party centerpiece of roasted or braised red meat Building a Bordeaux cellar with wines that reward 5–10 years of aging Gifting a wine lover who appreciates Left Bank elegance without grand vin pricing Frequently Asked Questions What does Chevalier de Lascombes taste like? It is a medium-bodied, Merlot-driven Margaux with prominent red cherry, cassis, and violet aromas leading into a velvety palate of blackberry, blood orange, and gentle oak spice. The tannins are firm but polished, with a moderately long finish. How does Chevalier de Lascombes compare to Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux? Both are second wines from classified Margaux estates, but Chevalier de Lascombes leans much more heavily on Merlot (around 70%), giving it a softer, rounder profile. Pavillon Rouge typically contains a higher proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon, resulting in more structural tannins and a firmer backbone. Is Chevalier de Lascombes good for sipping on its own? Yes — its medium body, bright fruit, and refined tannins make it approachable without food, especially with a brief decant. It also pairs exceptionally well with red meats and aged cheeses for those who prefer wine at the table. Where is Chevalier de Lascombes made? It is produced at Château Lascombes, located in the Margaux appellation within the Haut-Médoc district of Bordeaux, France. Château Lascombes has been classified as a Deuxième Grand Cru Classé since the 1855 Classification. What foods pair well with Chevalier de Lascombes? Braised lamb shanks complement its velvety texture; roast duck with cherry sauce echoes the wine's red-fruit core; aged hard cheeses like Comté bring out oak spice; grilled côte de boeuf matches its tannic structure; and mushroom risotto pairs well with its earthy, savory undertones. What sizes does Chevalier de Lascombes come in? The standard bottling is a 750ml bottle, though some vintages may also be available in magnums (1.5L) through select allocations. Is Chevalier de Lascombes worth the price? As the second wine of a Deuxième Grand Cru Classé estate, Chevalier de Lascombes positions itself in an accessible tier well below the grand vin while still delivering genuine Margaux character and classified-growth pedigree — strong value within its category. Why Chevalier de Lascombes? What separates this wine from the crowded field of Bordeaux second labels is its unusually Merlot-dominant blend for the Left Bank, which gives it a textural generosity that many Médoc wines at this level lack. The 90-point score from Vinous for the 2022 vintage signals that the estate is producing a second wine of genuine quality, not merely a commercial afterthought. Eighteen months in French oak adds structure without masking the bright, floral-driven fruit profile that marks well-made Margaux. For drinkers seeking classified-growth provenance with approachable drinkability in its youth, this cuvée consistently delivers.
