Since 2001, the team of Château Lascombes, under the guidance of Dominique Befve, General Manager, strives to
win back the soul and statute of Second Classed Growth of Margaux.
The 118-hectare viticultural heritage (of which 6 in the Haut-Médoc), totally restructured, combined with the modern techniques and financial means of the group Colony Capital, found a new identity with “Château Lascombes” and its second wine “Chevalier de Lascombes” as only emblems.
6 million euros have been invested in the tool during the first three years to materialize this approach and restore the confidence of the trade and the brokers by highlighting tradition and innovations. Then 3 million euros again to renovate the facilities, buildings and a top of the range reception structure. “We yet have to progress in quality to make a super-second of Château Lascombes. The marketing aspect and the recognition of our ranking will follow thanks to the tastings proposed to professionals” Dominique Befve explained in 2004.
Since then a big ground work has been undertaken in the vineyard, favouring the environmental and ecological aspect when possible. It is true that in 2009 and 2010 the task has been easier, “but the vinification was more difficult to approach” D. Befve confides.
“The Great and second wines of Lascombes go through the Bordeaux trade. We are among those who are the latest to give the release prices as we think a vintage needs time to be born. All parameters have to be studied and we have to adjust the price according to the vintage, the economic climate and our customers” he explains.
For the moment, all concerns of the team focus on the preparation of the splendid Flower Party that will take place for the closing evening of Vinexpo on next June 23rd with Star Chef Eric Fréchon, from the restaurant Le Bristol in Paris, in the kitchen. Nearly 1,500 guests are invited by the Commanders of the Commanderie du Bontemps of the Médoc, Graves, Sauternes and Barsac. All the bookings and invitations are closed since the end of April. This event on an Asian theme will take place in the beautiful park under a 2,300-sqm tent. Revelry, surprises, food and wine pairing are designed to thank all the merchants, buyers, importers and world's protagonists present at Vinexpo: an enchantment which requires a lot of investments to remain “sober, but very classy” D. Befve says with a smile, adding “We are certain that this prestige evening at Château Lascombes will remain in the memories for a long time. I like to say that we are second, certainly, but first in the spirits …»
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