Château Lassègue Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, 2018

The winter was mild and wet, followed by an equally rainy spring. The budbreak took place early April, and the rapid and even flowering was fortunately not affected by rainy days in May. Mildew pressure, a characteristic of this vintage, required special attention in the vineyards, with extra rounds of hedging to maintain the health of the vines. After this long rainy period, the summer was dry, and the clay and limestone soils’ capacity to retain water from the early rains tempered the effects of the dry summer. Ideal weather conditions continued in September for an excellent ripening up to the harvest, which took place between September 24 and October 13.

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.