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.
95 points, James Suckling (Jan 2019)
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.
94 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Feb 2019)
The 2016 Labégorce comes from a property that has really been getting its act together in recent years. It has a gorgeous, very pure blackberry, raspberry and pressed violet bouquet, almost understated, but there is real focus here. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannin and quite Pauillac-like in style, and there is impressive density on the finish. Wonderful. Look out for this.
94 points, Neal Martin, Vinous (Jan 2019)
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.
94 points, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast (May 2019)
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 liqourice, slate, black 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 September 4 to October 21. 50% new oak, technical director Marjolaine de Coninck.
94 points, Jane Anson (Mar 2023)
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. 12,000 cases produced.
93+ points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate (Nov 2018)
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 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 outclasses some underperforming classified growths. The UK price is especially attractive.
93 points, Panos Kakaviatos, Decanter (Apr 2022)