Chateau Lassegue 'Lassegue' 2013 750ml

Product Info

Terroir
Château Lassègue is situated on the southern limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion, where vineyards rise from the lower clay-rich slopes up toward elevated limestone and calcareous clay terraces. This positioning gives the estate a natural advantage in warm vintages and, crucially, provides drainage and freshness in more challenging years such as 2013.

The soils are a mosaic of limestone, clay-limestone, and sandy clay, each contributing differently to vine behavior and wine structure. Limestone brings lift, tension, and aromatic clarity; clay adds depth and mid-palate weight. Vines are planted on gently sloping hillsides, which encourage water runoff and help mitigate excess moisture—an important factor in a vintage defined by cool, wet conditions.

The 2013 vintage in Bordeaux was notably difficult, marked by a cold, rainy spring that led to uneven flowering and reduced yields, followed by a cooler-than-average growing season. Estates with strong terroirs, low yields, and rigorous selection were best positioned to succeed. At Lassègue, strict vineyard work and sorting resulted in a wine that emphasizes finesse, freshness, and classical structure over power—very much in line with traditional Saint-Émilion expression.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
The blend for Lassègue 2013 is dominated by Merlot, supported by Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, a typical Right Bank assemblage designed to balance fruit richness with aromatic lift and structure. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled tanks, allowing gentle extraction to preserve purity rather than force concentration. Maceration is carefully managed, especially important in a lighter vintage, to avoid harsh tannins while still capturing sufficient texture. Aging occurs in French oak barrels, a portion of which are new, though oak influence is handled with restraint. The goal is integration rather than dominance—framing the wine’s red fruit and mineral notes rather than masking them. Extended élevage allows the wine to soften naturally, gaining harmony before bottling.

Tasting Notes

The 2013 Lassègue presents itself with quiet elegance and classical restraint, offering nuance over immediacy.

On the nose, the wine opens with red cherry, wild raspberry, and currant, layered with subtle notes of violet, dried rose petal, and crushed limestone. With air, savory elements begin to emerge—tobacco leaf, pencil shavings, forest floor, and a hint of dried herbs—giving the bouquet a distinctly old-world profile.

The palate is medium-bodied and finely structured, led by fresh red fruit rather than dark, brooding tones. Flavors of cherry skin, red plum, and cranberry glide across the palate, supported by bright acidity that keeps the wine lifted and energetic. Tannins are fine-grained and polished, offering gentle grip without austerity. There is a subtle mineral thread running throughout—chalky and earthy—that speaks clearly to the limestone soils of Saint-Émilion. Oak is present but fully integrated, contributing whispers of cedar, clove, and cocoa rather than overt sweetness.

The finish is clean, dry, and refined, lingering with red fruit, soft spice, and a savory, earthy echo. Rather than intensity, the lasting impression is one of balance and poise.

Food Pairing & Service
Lassègue 2013 excels at the table, particularly with dishes that mirror its elegance rather than overpower it. It pairs beautifully with roast chicken or duck, especially when prepared with herbs or mushrooms. Veal dishes, pork tenderloin, or lamb cooked gently with rosemary and thyme complement the wine’s savory undertones. Earthy preparations—such as mushroom risotto, lentils, or truffle-accented dishes—highlight its subtle complexity. For cheese, opt for aged Comté, Gruyère, or mild sheep’s milk cheeses, which echo the wine’s nutty, mineral nuances without overwhelming its delicacy.

Serve at 60–63°F (15–17°C) in a Bordeaux-style glass. A short decant of 30 minutes is beneficial, allowing the aromatics to open and the texture to fully settle.

Aging Outlook
While not a powerhouse vintage, Lassègue 2013 is drinking beautifully now, especially for those who appreciate classical Bordeaux proportions. Properly stored bottles should continue to evolve gracefully for another 5–8 years, developing additional notes of leather, dried herbs, and forest floor while retaining freshness.