Lascombes 2016 has been released at €57.60 per bottle ex-negociant, a 14.3% increase on the 2015 price of €50.40. It is being offered by UK merchants for £650 per 12×75, up 21.5% in sterling terms on the 2015 release of £535 per case.
Critic scores for Lascombes have varied quite considerably between James Suckling and Neal Martin over recent vintages. This year Suckling has awarded Lascombes 93-94 points, praising the wine as “more refined than in the past”. However, Martin scored the wine lower at 89-91 points, commenting that it “lacks finesse and that sense of personality.” Jancis Robinson, who gave a score of 16.5, also picked up on this vintage’s personality, noting that it was “pure Napa Valley”.
Prices for Lascombes are not closely correlated to critic scores. Vintages have appreciated in price with the passing of time, as the chart below shows.
This year’s vintage is entering the market at a price that is significantly higher than recent offerings yet without the quality score to support the increased price level. Great vintages, such as 2009 and 2010 are placed above the trend line, so buyers must question whether 2016 is a great vintage too.
Those looking for value might instead be interested in the 2012, which has several years in bottle and is supported by a higher Wine Advocate score.
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