Axel Heinz, the renowned winemaker behind the iconic Merlot at Ornellaia, is spearheading a bold initiative at Château Lascombes. With the introduction of La Côte Lascombes 2022, an exclusive Merlot-only wine priced nearly double that of the estate's grand vin, this second-growth Margaux property aims to redefine its identity and rejuvenate its legacy. Underpinned by Gaylon Lawrence's vision, Heinz seeks not merely to enhance but to transform the estate's portfolio.
The new venture represents a significant departure from traditional practices, emphasizing innovation while preserving historical roots. By isolating exceptional Merlot parcels, Heinz crafts a distinctive expression of terroir, setting the stage for both short-term excitement and long-term consistency. Moreover, strategic changes extend beyond viticulture, encompassing branding efforts designed to elevate Lascombes' global recognition.
Introducing La Côte Lascombes: A Premium Merlot Expression
At the heart of this transformation lies La Côte Lascombes, a single-varietal Merlot offering set to debut in spring. This wine originates from select vineyards planted over limestone-rich blue marl clay soils, yielding grapes with unparalleled depth and character. Priced at approximately $200 per bottle, it establishes itself as a premium contender within Bordeaux's competitive landscape. The decision reflects confidence in delivering superior quality year after year.
Heinz explains how these sixty-year-old vines provided an irresistible opportunity upon his arrival at Lascombes. Recognizing their potential early during barrel aging, he ensured rigorous testing across multiple vintages before committing fully to production. Such meticulousness underscores a commitment to excellence rather than mere experimentation. Furthermore, allocating specific Merlot lots exclusively for La Côte allows the remaining fruit destined for other tiers—like the flagship blend—to shine differently, enhancing overall coherence within the range.
Redefining Identity Through Innovation and Tradition
Beyond introducing a standout product, Heinz envisions reinvigorating Château Lascombes through thoughtful restructuring. His approach balances respect for tradition with modern sensibilities, ensuring continuity without stagnation. For instance, maintaining core vineyard sites established since 1855 guarantees authenticity while allowing room for evolution elsewhere. Similarly, retaining Chevalier de Lascombes secures familiar touchpoints amidst broader shifts.
Comparisons naturally arise between Heinz's tenure at Ornellaia and current endeavors here; however, distinctions remain clear. Unlike Alter Ego's stylistic reinterpretation, La Côte remains pure Merlot—a testament to varietal purity. Meanwhile, future plans hint towards expanding into white wines, aligning with regional trends yet tailored uniquely to fit Lascombes' narrative. Ultimately, supported by owner Gaylon Lawrence's unwavering dedication to excellence, every move aligns toward establishing Lascombes as a leader among peers once more.