The changing face of Cabernet with Château Lascombes and Casa Real – Thursday 25th June

Here at 67, we’re constantly learning. And while no such commitment is required of Members, we tend to think most of you relish delving deeper into the stories behind what’s in your glass. So when Bordeaux’s Château Lascombes and Chile’s Santa Rita came to us with the idea of a joint event, we were keen to explore ways to make it more than a simple comparative exercise.

The result is a tasting exploring how wineries reliant on Cabernet Sauvignon are adapting to shifting conditions in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Through multiple vintages, we’’ll examine stylistic evolution, regional expression and the impact of climate change on structure, balance and longevity. And enjoy some stellar wines along the way…

Viña Santa Rita is one of Chile’s oldest and most reputed names, best known for its flagship wine, Casa Real. Arguably Chile’s first ‘icon’ wine, Casa Real comes from a spot in the foothills of the Andes where vines were first planted in the mid-1600s, and where Cabernet Sauvignon was the primary variety by the time Santa Rita was founded in 1880. A century later, after decades of field analyses, it identified the precise block that yields the wine’s stellar reputation.

Bordeaux second growth Château Lascombes has long been known for wines that marry Margaux’s signature perfume and elegance with a comparatively generous style. Since the estate was acquired by the US-based Lawrence family in 2022, it has sought to balance that power with greater freshness, precision and terroir expression. With critics praising the increased refinement of recent vintages, Lascombes is widely viewed as one of Bordeaux’s most interesting ‘watch this space’ estates.

We’re thrilled to be joined by Sebastián Labbé, head winemaker of Viña Santa Rita, and Axel Heinz, CEO of Château Lascombes, for an event chaired by industry consultant – and 67 Member – Richard Bampfield MW.

Sebastián studied viticulture and oenology in New Zealand, making wine both there and in Australia before returning to Chile in 2005 and joining Viña Santa Rita. After 12 years as head winemaker at its Viña Carmen he took over the group’s premium wines, headed by Casa Real. Having studied winemaking and started his career in Bordeaux, Axel Heinz made his reputation over an 18-year stint as winemaker of the famed SuperTuscans Ornellaia and Masseto. He returned to Bordeaux in 2023 to lead the long-term transformation of Lascombes.

Both will introduce expressions from cooler and warmer vintages, those impacted by frost and drought, current releases and more mature examples, to illustrate the interplay between climate, terroir and time.

Thanks to the generosity of both producers, we expect a keen response to this rare opportunity to gain insight into the evolving narrative of Cabernet Sauvignon at a global level. Early booking is recommended.

The wines we will be tasting:
2023 Château Lascombes, Margaux, 2ème Cru Classé
2022 Château Lascombes, Margaux, 2ème Cru Classé
2017 Château Lascombes, Margaux, 2ème Cru Classé
2009 Château Lascombes, Margaux, 2ème Cru Classé
2022 Casa Real, Viña Santa Rita, Maipo Valley
2020 Casa Real, Viña Santa Rita, Maipo Valley
2015 Casa Real, Viña Santa Rita, Maipo Valley
2012 Casa Real, Viña Santa Rita, Maipo Valley (from magnum)

Thursday 25th June
St. James’s Room
18:30 – Welcome reception
19:00 – Masterclass begins
20:30 – Masterclass ends

Please note, tickets are refundable for cancellations up to 5 business days before the event. Cancellations must be made in writing to [email protected]. Any cancellations within 5 business days of the event are non-refundable unless 67 Pall Mall resells the ticket to another Member. This is only possible when the event is sold out and there is a waiting list.

Please note that once your order is placed, your ticket status will display as “processing” until after the event, when your member account is then charged. You will receive an email confirmation after ordering your tickets, stating that your order is being processed – please take this as full confirmation that your booking has been finalised. For any questions, please reach out to [email protected].