Midnight oil? Dense black purple to the rim, the 2009 Lascombes has enormous concentration, with loads of graphite, blackberry, and blueberry notes as well as hints of pen ink and truffle. The wine is super-intense, full-bodied, fleshy, and rich. This is another wine that will compete with the 2005, which is certainly the best Lascombes I have ever tasted. (Tasted three times.) 94-96+ points Robert Parkers Wine Advocate # 188 (Apr 2010).
Fascinating aromas of crushed berries and fresh herbs follow through to a full body, with velvety, polished tannins and a long, long finish. Wonderful wine. More reserved than the 2005, but potentially better. 92-95 points, James Suckling for The Wine Spectator, Online March 25, 2010.
Inky, glass-staining purple. Chocolatey torrefaction and herbs currently dominate black fruit aromas on the nose. Much more fruit-dominated in the mouth: pure, rich, almost decadently ripe blackberry and cassis flavors are plush and creamy, but possess excellent grip and precision. Very polished tannins give the luscious finish an ultrasmooth texture. Maybe a bit more New than Old World, but this version of Lascombes is much more reminiscent of classic Bordeaux than other recent vintages and appears to be the best vintage here in years. 90-93 Points, Ian D'Agata for Stephen Tanzer's Int'l Cellar (May 2010) | 
