Deep ruby color; cherry, black plum on the nose; cherry, raspberry, plum on the palate.
Dry; dusty tannins. I’ve reviewed younger iterations of this wine where decanting was suggested. This is more mature bottle (nine years), and it did not require decanting. The vintage also may have played a part. I am happy I forgot this bottle in the back of my wine fridge. It makes a point on how bottle age affects a wine.
Bold, voluptuous merlot flavors. Classic Bordeaux grapes with cabernet franc rivaling merlot in the emphatic presentation of fruit. A small amount of cabernet sauvignon rounds out the mix; 13.5% ABV.
Saint-Émilion is a right bank Bordeaux appellation, which typically means merlot is the lead grape. There is no definitive breakdown on the winery website. Merlot may lead the way here, but cab franc must be close behind. Medium-full body.
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 2011 is seriously assertive right-bank Bordeaux blend. Cabernet franc is prominent even if merlot is a higher percentage of the blend. Cabernet sauvignon plays minor role. 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. $59-70
