Lascombes is a second growth of Margaux with an unusually broken-up vineyard — parcels scattered across the commune rather than one continuous block — which has always made it a harder estate to run than its rank suggests. In 1982 it belonged to the British brewer Bass Charrington, who had bought it in 1971 from the syndicate assembled by the American wine writer Alexis Lichine.
The vintage carried it. 1982 was hot, early and generous, and Margaux made richer, fleshier wines than the commune's usual perfumed style. Lascombes from those years is a medium-weight, fragrant claret rather than a blockbuster, and it reached full maturity some time ago.
In practice that means a soft, sweet-edged, fully evolved Margaux — dried violets, cedar, a touch of truffle — best opened without ceremony and drunk within an hour of pouring. As a gift it does the important job, which is to carry a date on the label.
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Producer: Château Lascombes
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Vintage: 1982
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Appellation: Margaux AOC
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Format: 75cl
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Region: Bordeaux, France
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Style: Red
Where it is likely to be now. Fully evolved and delicate rather than robust, so it should be opened soon and treated kindly; like every pre-1990 bottle here it is sold as a collectible item without a guarantee of drinkability.
Who it suits. A second growth at a mid-range price, which makes it a good forty-fourth birthday or anniversary gift in 2026 when the classification on the label matters to the recipient.
Condition. The merchant records the bottle as good, with the label, capsule and fill level all normal for its age.
Provenance. Bought to order from a professional European merchant. We check fill, label and capsule when the bottle reaches us and photograph it before it ships.
Delivered in 7 to 10 working days, tracked. Transit cover can be added at checkout.
Sold as a collectible item, as seen. No guarantee is given on drinkability.
