This wine, with its deep ruby colour and tight rim, is a testament to time and patience. Aged for 8 years in the bottle, it has developed a complexity that is both direct and savoury, complemented by a creamy texture. It’s a straightforward cru of quality, with appropriate intensity and ease.
James Suckling rated it at 94 points. We believe it is the perfect time to open a bottle and experience its mature flavours.
I tried this wine last night in a restaurant in Fortress Hill, paired with some classic Chinese dishes, and I was pleasantly surprised by how well it complemented the food. Its versatility makes it appealing for pairing with a variety of Chinese cuisines, which is sure to intrigue even the most discerning wine enthusiasts.
The 2003 vintage of Château Lanessan stands out from an unusually hot year, offering a mix of aromas and a juicy body for the age. With enticing notes of bacon, tar, and black pepper, it presents a full mouthfeel filled with black and red fruits, bacon fat, sweet spices, and cream. Remarkably, it maintains reasonable freshness with a sufficient red fruit finish and displays its age well.
On the palate, the wine reveals herbal and spicy elements, accompanied by a firm structure, medium body, and 13.5% alcohol. The well-integrated tannins and balanced tension make it a delightful choice, rated at 91 points (DD91) for its ease of drinking and appeal to a wide range of preferences. Château Lanessan offers great value for its quality.
Despite the challenging hot weather, it produced a classically styled Médoc red wine that is ready to enjoy now, reminiscent of wines from Château Gruaud-Larose and Château Lynch-Bages, albeit not as dense and slightly lighter.
This estate is a respected Cru Bourgeois property, holding a Grand Cru Hors Classé status, and is known for delivering Cru Classé quality at more accessible prices. The wine is vinified in traditional concrete vats, undergoes malolactic fermentation in a tank, and ages 12 months in a mix of new and used French barrels. The blend comprises 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. Expert scores for Lanessan wines generally range from 86 to 92 points, providing wine lovers with an exceptional quality experience at a fantastic price.
All vintages of this wine have a firm grip, characterised by a chalky and spicy finish. The complexity arises from a blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, and 8% Cabernet Franc, aged for three weeks in 60% new oak. Each vintage reflects qualities reminiscent of Pauillac, making them great for wine enthusiasts.
The 2004 vintage stands out for its vibrant bouquet of blackberry, blackcurrant, tobacco, and a hint of menthol. Pronounced cedar notes and grippy tannins lead to a dense, slightly meaty finish.
The 2013 Langoa Barton showcases fresh dark fruit, a perfumed bouquet, and hints of Asian spices. It features crisp red berry fruit and a balanced cedary finish with nuances of lemon tart.
The 2015 vintage has a deep ruby colour and an intense nose of red fruit, sous-bois, and tobacco. It offers a fleshy texture and chalky, silky palate, with a long finish that allows flavours to linger.
The youthful 2017 vintage exhibits fleshy richness with dark fruit and chocolate notes, balanced by cranberry and cherry. It ends with a smooth, refined finish, showing grippy yet delicate tannins and good power. I particularly enjoy the 2017 bottle.
