WTN: 2018 Chateau Lanessan

by **David M. Bueker** » Mon Mar 14, 2022 7:11 pm

2018 Château Lanessan - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc (3/14/2022)
Decanted four hours prior to serving, this changed significantly from a first early sip. Where initially it seemed a touch glossy, after several hours of air it gained focus, and exerted a tannic core that tethered everything to the center. Understanding the effects of a riper vintage than say 2014, I don’t see this as “modern” except in the context of modern, climate-influenced vintages. Yes it has more black than red fruit, but the fruit remains balanced with the structure. The oak is in balance with the fruit, and given the depth of the wine it should evolve in lockstep with the other elements of the wine. This is not a rustic Lanessan, but it is not a caricature of Bordeaux. It’s just a smaller wine that has had its boat floated by a rising vintage tide.