The iconic, ivy-covered Chateau Lascombes is one of the most recognizable structures in all of Margaux. One would never expect this picturesque and secluded estate to have one of the largest vineyards in the Medoc. The vineyard is an astounding 120 hectares primarily located in Margaux; with 10 hectares in the Haut-Medoc appellation. With a staff of 36, one can imagine the harvest period on such a vast estate would be difficult to manage. Because of their access to state-of-the-art technology and some of the most desirable plots in Margaux, the viticultural team of Chateau Lascombes produces wines that continue to impress and receive critical acclaim.\n\nChateau Lascombes earned its namesake after its owner, Antoine Chevalier de Lascombes in 1625. The estate was inherited from the Durfort de Duras family who also owned Chateau Durfort – later known as the famed Second Growth property, Chateau Durfort-Vivens. Chateau Lascombes was classified as a Second Growth estate in 1855, but its history really began when it was purchased almost a hundred years later. Alexis Lichine and a group of investors – including the wealthy American, David Rockefeller – purchased the estate in 1952. Lichine was no stranger to the wine market. He became a salesman of French wine in the US after the end of the Prohibition. He later published three books on wine: Wines of France (1951, revised 1955), Alexis Lichine's Guide to Wines and Vineyards of France (rev. 1989), and Alexis Lichine’s Encyclopedia of Wines and Spirits (1967, revised 1987). He was credited with "(teaching) his adopted country to drink wine." He acquired Chateau Prieure, the Fourth Growth property in Margaux, and attached his name to it, hence Chateau Prieure-Lichine. He took it upon himself to revitalize the estate that was already on the brink of destruction. Lichine prioritized his efforts towards purchasing surrounding plots and increasing production. By the time he sold the estate, he had tripled its output with more than 40 separate plots of vines spread throughout Margaux.\n\nThere is a diverse array of soil types at Chateau Lascombes. Gravelly outcroppings are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. The property also has limestone terroir, which is highly unique to the Margaux region. It is the areas with clay and limestone where the primary varietal at Chateau Lascombes, Merlot, really shines. Chateau Lascombes has 50% of its vineyard planted with Merlot – an unusual choice for an estate in Margaux. The vines are on average 35 years old, and only 50-hectares of the sprawling vineyard are considered able to produce the wines of top Second Growth quality.
