Labégorce 2016

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. Drink 2024-2050

This may be the best Labégorce ever. Full-bodied and dense yet vivid and energetic. Greatness in the making.

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. Drink 2022 - 2042.

There’s quite a bit of oak on this ambitious, well-structured red blend, but it’s a wine that’s made for a middle distance race rather than sprint. The tannins are well judged, built around a core of red fruits, tobacco spice and tangy acidity. 2024-30