2023 Château Lassègue

This is very linear and compact with lush fruit, but the tannins and acidity frame it so nicely. It's medium-bodied with excellent length and energy. The finish is really fine. 50% cabernet franc, 43% merlot and 7% cabernet sauvignon. Better than 2022. (04/2024)

Coming from the talented Seillan family (also behind the quality at Verite in Sonoma), the 2023 Château Lassegue should be brilliant stuff, offering a dense ruby/plum hue as well as powerful aromatics of spiced red and black fruits, chocolate, and crushed stone. It's a big, rich, textured, medium to full-bodied 2023 with velvety tannins, terrific overall balance, and outstanding length. This cuvée comes from clay and limestone soils in the southern part of the appellation and is 50% Cabernet Franc, 43% Merlot, and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, aging in 50% new oak. It's the first vintage with a majority of Cabernet Franc. (05/2024)

Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2023 Lassegue rolls out with eager-to-please scents of kirsch, fresh blackberries, and raspberry coulis leading to hints of spice cake and Sichuan pepper. The medium-bodied palate has a lightly chewy texture with appealing freshness, finishing on a mineral note. The blend is 50% Cabernet Franc, 43% Merlot, and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, with pH 3.70. (05/2024)