The Lawrence Family, owners of Napa Valley's Heitz Cellar and Managing Partner and Master Sommelier Carlton McCoy Jr., announced the acquisition of Château Lascombes. This marks Lawrence Wine Estates’ first acquisition in Europe joining a portfolio, which includes Burgess, Heitz Cellar, Ink Grade and Stony Hill Vineyard.

Château Lascombes is a storied Second Growth with origins dating back to 1681, when vines were first planted, located in the Margaux appellation of Bordeaux.

“We are honored to become the new stewards of such a historical estate,” Caylon Lawrence said in a statement. “This Chateau has some of the greatest vineyards in Margaux and our family looks forward to caring for Chateau Lascombes for many generations to come."

McCoy added: “Château Lascombes is the largest estate in Margaux. With such exceptional vineyard holdings we are confident that we can craft some of the most exceptional wines in the region and we have full confidence that Delphine Barboux can achieve this. Château Lascombes is a special place, and we will spare no expense to ensure that we bring it to its full potential.”

Château Lascombes crafts age-worthy wines with great complexity. The wine produced has been classified as one of 15 Seconds Crus (Second Growths) in the original Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. The estate vineyard, known as one of the most sought-after plots in Margaux, is composed of a unique mix of soil-types for this appellation: a gravelly outcrop planted with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, a block of clay-gravel made up of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, and clay-limestone plots, which produce an optimal expression of Merlot.

From the 17th century to modern day, 10 generations of owners have succeeded each other and left their stamp upon the history of Château Lascombes. Most recently, Mutuelle d'Assurance du Corps de Santé Français (MACSF) owned the estate for 11 years, furthering the wine quality and hospitality experiences. They presided over land acquisitions and renovations, helmed by Dominique Befve who had been running the Château since 2001. MACSF will continue to be involved as a minority partner in Château Lascombes.

International Wine Associates initiated this transaction for Lawrence Wine Estates and served as their financial advisor.