Chateau Labegorce 2016

Full-bodied, crisp, dense, nicely rounded by the oak, juicy, long.

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. 10,000 cases made.

Bravo for a strong performance in an excellent vintage from this non-classified estate in the heart of the Margaux appellation. Not as diaphanous as the region’s top-tier wines, but it has smooth tannins. The 45% new oak ageing is nicely integrated on a palate that reflects charm from the majority Merlot in the blend, with breadth and depth that outclass some underperforming classified growths. The UK price is especially attractive.

A very elegant and polished Margaux with great structure and an attractive touch of herbal freshness, then a delicate hint of sweetness at the long, fine finish. A blend of 38 percent cabernet sauvignon, 52 percent merlot, six percent cabernet franc and four percent petit verdot.

Mid crimson. Dusty, gentle, dark-fruited fragrance. Tight, fresh but with a hint of milk-chocolate sweetness on the finish. Very supple texture becoming more chewy on the finish. (JH)

The 2016 Labégorce is a dense, potent wine. There is plenty of depth to the copious blackberry jam, plum and chocolate flavors. Rich and forward, the 2016 will drink well with minimal cellaring. I thought the 2016 was a bit more exciting from barrel, but this is nevertheless very nicely done.

Flowers, tobacco, wet earth, smoke, and fresh fruits: the wine is elegant, round, lush, and polished. There is volume, length, and character. There is a lot to like here, especially when you consider how little the wine sells for.

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.

Deep purple with violet highlights. Complex nose with dense blueberry fruit and plenty of cherry tobacco, followed by cassis candy and light fine oak. On the powerful palate, a firm tannic structure, ripe extract, and lots of blackberry on the back palate; excellent potential and a long finish with blueberries. A safe bet again this year!

Kunz barrel sample 17: fruity, fresh, velvety bouquet—strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackcurrant, vanilla. Balanced, fresh, silky, finely structured palate with sweet fruit, fine tannins, silky texture, powerful and complex aromatics, long, fresh finish.

Fruity, fresh, velvety bouquet with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackcurrant, vanilla. Balanced, fresh, silky, finely textured palate with sweet fruit, fine tannins, silky structure, powerful, complex aromatics, long, fresh finish. 18/20 2024 - 2040

Concentrated but restrained, with old-school charm and an abundance of muscular tannins, it's easy to feel the heart of this wine, packed with liquorice, slate, dark chocolate, cassis, brambled hedgerow, aniseed and fennel, with plenty of grip. Years ahead of it, an impressive wine in this exceptional vintage, offering good value. Harvest from September 4 to October 21. 50% new oak, technical director Marjolaine de Coninck.

A harmonious whole, with clearly defined fruit, just a touch too “Merlot” to match the great Cantenacs, paradoxically overshadowed by Palmer, which is very rich in Merlot yet shows obviously superior density and brilliance.

The wine has beautiful volume, good structure, and a lovely fleshy fruit expression on the palate. Taut on the finish and nicely crunchy.

Fresh nose, bramble, small red berries, subtle cooked prune notes. Broad palate, supple tannins, finish with a slight drying edge.

What freshness and what Margaux identity thanks to this subtle alliance between the generosity of Merlot and the freshness of Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is inviting, juicy, moreish, and well supported by its tannins. Creamy and balanced in character, it can be approached in its youth, but it still deserves a little cellaring.

Dark color, good intensity, and youthful. Intense nose with fresh, ripe fruit. Fragrant on the palate, but a little light, developing over present tannins that are nonetheless wrapped in persistence. Medium length.

Deep dark ruby, opaque core and discreet rim. The aromas are of black berry fruit, a touch of prunes, some nougat, vanilla and orange zest. It is complex with pleasant ripe fruit, integrated tannins and a chocolaty finish. A multi-faceted wine which is great with food.