Chateau Lascombes 2004

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Another brilliant effort from this estate, the 2004 Lascombes (a blend of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petit Verdot) exhibits a deep blue/purple hue along with a sweet perfume of blueberries, black raspberries, cherries, incense, smoke, and spring flowers. While opulent, underneath the full-bodied richness of fruit and depth is a structured wine. As it sits in the glass, an espresso roast character (no doubt from new oak) also emerges. Enjoy this pure, structured, fleshy beauty between 2010-2025."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Ready for prime time drinking, the oak is still prevalent. But once past the espresso, vanilla, character, the medium bodied, soft, textured wine delivers a fresh, cherry, tobacco, earthy, forest floor note from start to finish, with the character of the cooler temperatures from the 2004 vintage."