2018 Chateau Lassegue Bordeaux Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

DEC95 A cluster of damson and black cherry notes dominate the nose. It takes a minute in the glass before peeling back the layers. It’s clearly a complex, well constructed and enjoyable wine with lovely sweetness to the cherry and blackberry fruits, showing a touch of raspberry as things open up, with a fresh finish. There is excellent oak integration, as ever (from 20 different forests, one of the real specificities of this estate under winemaker Pierre Seillan). Malo took place in vat, then the wine was racked into barrels for ageing, with 60% new oak. 3.75pH. Harvested 24 September to 13 October, giving a good yield of 49hl/ha. 
JD94 The 2018 Château Lassegue emerges from the home estate of Pierre Seillan, who’s also behind the incredibly quality of Verite in Sonoma County. It’s a beautifully seductive, seamless 2018 with a wonderful core of red and blue fruits, notes of leafy herbs and tobacco, nicely integrated tannins, a great mid-palate, and a rounded, mouth-filling texture. Beautifully done, enjoy this irresistible Saint-Emilion over the coming two decades.
JS94 Subtle aromas of sweet berries, Spanish cedar and blackberries with some black mushrooms. Medium-to full-bodied with fine yet chewy tannins and a long finish. Solid and racy. Tight now. Drink after 2024.
Estate Notes: The Lassègue 2018 shows a deep and intense color. The estate’s terroir maximized the potential of this excellent vintage thanks to our 50+ year-old vines and the freshness from the limestone soils. On the nose, the richness of the Merlot is complemented by the extravagance of the Cabernet Franc, and after aeration the bouquet develops subtle notes of cassis and violet. The palate explodes with silky round red and black fruit, while the finish is dominated by black fruit with barely perceptible rounded tannins. The Lassègue 2018 is among the great vintages that are characterized by their freshness, complexity and power, a reflection of the estate’s clay and limestone soils on the slopes. This is a vintage with an excellent potential for aging. 62% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. 50 to 60 years old vines. Aged 12 months in 60% new French oak.