Lassegue Vertical Pack (2019/2020/2021) 3 x 750ml

Ripe plums, black cherry liquor and dried cassis provide sumptuous aromas while hints of orange peel, toasted allspice, fresh cinnamon bark and dried tea leaf beckon. A velvety, Merlot-driven mid-palate slowly opens into a multi-layered bouquet of red fruit, toasted baking spices, truffle and coffee bean. An iron-rich minerality provides a taut, complex structure, while fine-grained tannins and firm acidity grip the palate to sustain a long and elegant finish. This classic expression of Saint-Emilion offers a dual brightness and sophistication that will continue to improve for years to come.

2019

96 Points – James Suckling This is so fine and refined with currant, crushed stone, lime stone and fresh mushroom. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins that run the length of the wine. Minerally finish. Tight and racy. Drink after 2025, but already beautiful.

94 Points – Decanter Rich plum in colour, this grips right from the off, and moves slowly and carefully through the palate, revealing brambly blue and red fruits, and a lovely sense of energy and uplift. Extremely good quality, with sage and saffron edges alongside layers of fine tannins that close in towards the finish, slowing things down even more. This will age well, and is an elegant yet concentrated wine.

2020

93 Points - James Suckling

A very tannic and powerful red this year, with blueberry, walnut and stone character. Tar undertones. Full and chewy. Flavorful finish. A bit extracted, so needs time to soften. Try after 2028.

2021

94 Points - James Suckling

A wine with pureness and finesse, showing wonderful length and brightness. Dark berries, cherries and dried citrus. It's long and lively. Orange peel and other citrus notes at the end. Lots of minerality.

93 Points - Decanter

Amazing aromatics - very fruit forward on the nose full of blackcurrant, black cherry and black pepper. The strawberry, raspberry and cranberry fruit absolutely sings in the glass, punchy with excellent clarity and soft plushness. Silky tannins, barely there except to give a mineral, wet stone texture which is to the fore. It’s profound in terms of depth of flavour - vertical and structured, but not heavy or exuberant with freshness and focus keeping it lifted and graceful. Well balanced, harmonious and full of classicism in the best sense. This is the 19th vintage for winemaker Pierre Seillan, whose son will now take the helm. No chaptalisation needed here. 3.64pH. Ageing in 70% new oak.