Deep ruby color; red fruits, cherry, blackberry, plum, licorice, coffee, oak, leather, earth, vanilla, some saline on the nose and palate.
Dry; pleasant, fine tannins and bright acidity (3.66 pH). Medium-plus body. Blend of 58% old vine merlot, 32% cabernet franc, 10% cabernet sauvignon. Aged 12 months in French oak, 75% new. Quality consistent from initial attack to finish, where the touch of saline and minerality appear. Benefits from air, consider decanting or swirling in large glass and waiting a bit. Just emerging into its prime after almost six years. 14% ABV
Saint-Émilion enjoys an international reputation for its wines. The medieval town lies on the right bank of the Dordogne, at the crossroads of Bordeaux, Saintongue, and Périgord. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is named after Émilion, an 8th century Breton monk, who lived as hermit in a cave carved into the limestone cliffs. Fittingly, the most impressive architectural feature of Saint-Émilion is the largest underground church in Europe, carved into the limestone in the 11th century. Saint-Émilion viticulture dates Roman times in the 2nd century AD.
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.” Jess Jackson passed in 2011 at age 81. His widow, Barbara, continues as the chairman and proprietor of Jackson Family Wines.
Château Lassegue “Lassègue” Saint Émilion Grand Cru 2019 elegantly delivers some power without being brusque or surly. Some softness, as expected from wine that is 58% merlot, but bolstered by cab franc and a splash of cabernet sauvignon. Fresh, solid, understated, evolving. Just entering its best drinking years, and could go another 10 years or more. Pair with roast chicken, especially the dark meat; Coq au Vin; bean and beef stew; lamb; pork—tenderloin and pulled-pork; venison; duck breast; roasted pigeon or quail; tuna, grilled red mullet with Provençal potatoes; mushroom risotto or pasta; stuffed mushrooms. Cheese—comté, aged gouda, parmigiano-reggiano, reblechon, saint-nectaire, roquefort, stilton, camambert, brie de meaux. $60-75
