Chateau Labegorce 2016

JAMES SUCKLING: 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."

WEINWISSER: WEINWISSER:"Sattes Purpur mit violetten Reflexen. Komplexe Nase mit dichter, blaubeeriger Frucht und viel Kirschtabak, dahinter Cassisdrops und helles Edelholz. Am kräftigen Gaumen mit festem Tanningerüst, reifem Extrakt und viel Brombeere im Rückaroma, sehr gute Anlagen und langes Finale mit Heidelbeeren. Auch in diesem Jahr eine sichere Bank!"

JEB DUNNUCK: 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."

FALSTAFF: FALSTAFF:"Tiefdunkles Rubingranat, opaker Kern, dezente Randaufhellung, schwarze Beerenfrucht, ein Hauch von Dörrpflaumen, etwas Nougat, Vanille, Orangenzesten. Komplex, angenehme Extraktsüße, integrierte Tannine, schokoladiger Nachhall, ein facettenreicher Speisenbegleiter."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: 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."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: THE WINEADVOCATE:"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."

DECANTER: DECANTER:"Deep, rich extraction, black cherry in colour 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 flavours 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."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER:"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."

WINE SPECTATOR: WINESPECTATOR:"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."