The grape composition for Château Lescalle is usually 65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, but can vary slightly by vintage. In 2020 it was, for example, 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled steel tanks for 2 to 3 weeks with daily stirring. The maturation of the wine lasts for 12 months and takes place with 60-70% in steel tanks and 30-40% in oak barrels, of which 20-40% are new, depending on the vintage. The other casks are 1 to 2 years old and have been used for the 2 Haut-Médoc Cru Bourgeois châteaux Château Maucamps and Château Dasvin-Bel-Air, which are immediate neighbors and owned by the same family as Lescalle.
The wine from Château Lescalle usually has a really good balance between fruit concentration, finesse and structure in its youth. It has Merlot’s classic flattering character but will definitely benefit from a bit of maturation and, if served in its youth, from an oxygenation in a carafe before serving. The castle’s typical character with shades of cherries, almonds and bitter chocolate comes through nicely in both aroma and taste with a good crispness and a nice, long aftertaste. The Margaux character is found especially in the aftertaste, which is very delicate and long. Again, it is the fruit character which is very dominant. It is a wine that you almost cannot help liking. A really good experience for the price! It will be suitable for all meat dishes, especially game or lamb or possibly for cheese.
Château Lescalle is located in the Macau municipality in the Margaux district, but is only entitled to the more modest status of Bordeaux Supérieur. It was built in 1875 by the Tessandier family, who still own the castle. Its location is of course almost ideal for achieving excellent quality: close to the Garonne river in one of the best production areas in Bordeaux, and next door to the two famous castles – Château Giscours and Château la Lagune. Château Lescalle makes truly value for money Bordeaux wine.
