The ‘22 Le Big Boss Cabernet Sauvignon.

A bold, richly concentrated Lussac-Saint-Emilion Cabernet Sauvignon with deep purple color, blackcurrant intensity and silky tannins, drinking well now and through 2031.

Tasting note

The 2022 Vignobles Lassagne Le Big Boss Cabernet Sauvignon from Lussac-Saint-Emilion delivers a portrait of dark, ripe Bordeaux character from one of the region's less-heralded but reliably excellent satellite appellations. In the glass the color is deep purple, with the kind of richness and density that the exceptional 2022 vintage reliably produced across the Right Bank. The nose is intense and fruit-forward: blackcurrant leads with a concentrated, dark-fruit authority, joined by red fruits and an aromatic spice dimension that adds complexity without distracting from the fruit core. The aromatic profile is bold and straightforward in the best sense: this is a wine that knows exactly what it is and delivers it with confidence. On the palate the wine is round and powerful, with a broad mid-palate that showcases the vintage's generosity. Silky tannins provide structure without austerity, and the red fruit and blackcurrant persist through a clean, medium-plus finish. The documentation notes that this wine is ready to drink now and can develop for another decade, a perfectly calibrated statement of a wine that delivers immediate pleasure while retaining the structure for further aging.

The 2022 vintage

The 2022 vintage in Lussac-Saint-Emilion and the broader Right Bank satellite appellations was exceptional across nearly every measure. The extreme heat and low rainfall of the summer produced very concentrated, ripe fruit with excellent phenolic development, and the clay and limestone soils of the Lussac plateau retained enough moisture to prevent vine stress. Cabernet Sauvignon, which is less common in this area than Merlot, benefited from the warm conditions to achieve full ripeness. The resulting wines from the appellation show depth and structure that are unusual for the satellite tier.

About Vignobles Lassagne

Vignobles Lassagne is a family estate in Lussac-Saint-Emilion, producing wines from the limestone and clay soils of the northern Right Bank. The estate's Le Big Boss is an unconventional expression for the appellation, leading with Cabernet Sauvignon rather than Merlot in a region where the reverse is typical. The name signals the character of the wine: bold, assertive and unapologetically ambitious for its classification. The family has farmed these vineyards across generations and brings an intimate knowledge of the site to the winemaking.

From the cellar: pair with

Grilled flank steak with chimichurri and roasted peppers

The wine's bold dark fruit and silky tannins stand up to grilled beef, and the herbal freshness of chimichurri mirrors the spice dimension of the wine.

Beef Bourguignon with pearl onions and mushrooms

The concentrated dark fruit and round texture of the wine are a natural complement for a classic braised beef preparation, and the mushrooms add earthy depth.

Aged Cantal with black pepper crackers

The wine's blackcurrant concentration and silky tannins find a complementary partner in the firm, savory character of aged Cantal.

Service & cellaring

Serving Temp: 16-18C / 61-64F
Decanting: Decant for 20 to 30 minutes. The wine is approachable now but a brief rest in a wide decanter opens the aromatic complexity and allows the spice dimension to emerge. No need for extended decanting.
Cellar Storage: 12-14C / 54-57F

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Frequently Asked

What is Lussac-Saint-Emilion?

Lussac-Saint-Emilion is a satellite appellation of Saint-Emilion located north of the main commune. The wines are Merlot-dominated Bordeaux blends produced on limestone and clay soils similar to those of Saint-Emilion, though they are generally more affordable and approachable at a younger age.

Is it unusual for a Lussac-Saint-Emilion to be Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant?

Yes, it is distinctive. The Right Bank appellations around Saint-Emilion are traditionally Merlot-dominant, as the clay soils suit Merlot better than Cabernet Sauvignon. Vignobles Lassagne's decision to lead with Cabernet Sauvignon represents a deliberate style choice that sets Le Big Boss apart.

When should I drink the 2022 Le Big Boss?

The canonical CAI full drinking arc is 2024-2033. Within that arc, the peak window is 2026-2031. The full arc is the broader period the wine may drink well; the peak window is when it is most likely to show its best balance. Storage, fill level, cork condition, and preference can shift the decision. Taste before adding more air or holding the rest.

How does 2022 compare to typical vintages in the Bordeaux satellites?

The 2022 vintage was exceptional across all of Bordeaux, including the satellite appellations. The unusual heat and concentration of the vintage lifted quality significantly at every level, and the Lussac-Saint-Emilion wines from 2022 show depth and structure that are unusual for the tier.