Deep ruby color; cherry, plum, spice on the nose; cherry, plum, black fruits, cedar, vanilla, chocolate on the palate.
Dry; polished tannins; some acidity. Nice texture; medium-full body. Classic Saint Émilion blend of cabernet franc, merlot, and cabernet sauvignon. Good concentration, which particularly presents mid-palate and on the finish. Sour cherry lingers on the extended and fascinating finish; 14.5% ABV
Jackson Family Wines founded Château Lassegue in 2003. The Jackson website notes: “Nestled on the Côte de Saint-Émilion, Château Lassègue exemplifies winemaking passion and an unbridled quest to create world-class wines. With its striking 18th Century château, perennially sun-drenched vineyards and diverse soils, Château Lassègue sits in a unique position of honoring its heritage while also moving to a new era of winemaking traditions.”
The Lassegue story is that of two families. The website notes: “Lawyers by profession, Jess Jackson and Barbara Banke have created a highly successful wine business in just twenty years. They first concentrated on California and then expanded their business worldwide – Italy, Chile, Australia, and eventually France. A true visionary, Jess Jackson has always invested in terroirs before creating brands. Today the Jackson-Banke family is the owner of numerous vineyards which each have their own style and unique character.
“Originally from Gascony, Pierre Seillan is a recognized vigneron whose responsibilities include various new vineyards in the Jackson Family portfolio. Seillan moved to California from the Bordeaux region when he was in his forties. Looking for a new challenge, Seillan joined Jackson and Banke, and was given the freedom to create new vineyards on the hilltops of Sonoma Valley in order to produce world class wines made from Bordeaux varietals.
“This superb estate in Saint-Émilion today is infused with new life thanks to the passions of two couples and their families: Jess Jackson and his wife Barbara Banke, California visionaries in the world of wine, and Bordelais Pierre Seillan and his wife Monique. This is the beginning of a beautiful new adventure.”
Château Lassegue “Lassègue” Saint Émilion Grand Cru 2016 is seriously good Bordeaux blend. Cabernet franc is lead grape, but merlot adds its mellowness and dash of cabernet sauvignon its seriousness. This is the product of two important families in the wine world—the Jackson family from California and the Seillan family in Bordeaux. The result is delicious excellence. Pair with rich, marbled red meats—ribeye steak and other grilled red meats; barbecue; char-grilled flank steak; lamb; savory meats such as pork—including pulled pork—and duck; shepherd’s pie. $59
