Chateau Labegorce 2016

Professional Ratings

• 95 James Suckling
  A very elegant and polished Margaux with great structure and an attractive touch of herbal freshness, then a delicate touch of sweetness at the long, fine finish. A blend of 38 per cent cabernet sauvignon, 52 per cent merlot, six per cent cabernet franc and four per cent petit verdot.
• 94 Wine Enthusiast
  This estate on the north side of the village of Margaux is performing at its peak. As befits the vintage it’s a rich wine with big tannins. But it also has the style that characterizes a Margaux, with a smooth, perfumed aftertaste. Drink from 2025.
  Cellar Selection
• 94 Jeb Dunnuck
  From an estate on the uptick and showing beautifully on two separate occasions, the 2016 Château Labégorce is a head-turner of a Margaux that’s based on 52% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that was brought up in 45% new oak, with the balance in once-used barrels. Sexy notes of blackcurrants, black raspberries, crushed flowers, sandalwood, and incense all flow to a medium to full-bodied, fabulously textured Margaux that carries ripe tannins, loads of fruit and richness, and a great finish. Since arriving in 2009, Marjolaine de Coninck has resurrected this estate and the wines now play with the top in the appellation. Give bottles 3-5 years and enjoy over the following two decades or more.
• 93 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  The 2016 Labégorce is composed of 52% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, aged in 45% new and 55% one-year-old French oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps out of the glass with gregarious cassis, kirsch and black raspberries, candied violets, dark chocolate and spearmint. Medium-bodied, elegant, fresh and with exciting intensity, it delivers a fantastically long, fragrant finish.
  Rating: 93+
• 93 Decanter
  Deep, rich extraction, black cherry in color with very well controlled aromatics of damson and creamy cappuccino. This is a gorgeous wine and there are going to be many many fans of the contemporary but utterly controlled and well judged flavors on display here. Luscious and big, but everything has a reason for being where it is, nothing superfluous. One of the best ever from this property.
• 90 Wine Spectator
  Features a core of freshly crushed plum and blackberry fruit, inlaid with singed mesquite, sandalwood and black tea notes. This is on the toasty side in the end, but the texture has a plush edge and there's enough fruit for balance. Drink now through 2031.