Labégorce Margaux 2016

95 points 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. (2/3/19)"

94 points 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. Drink: 2022-2042. (2/28/19)"

94 points La Revue du Vin de France: "2016 remains a major success for the vintage, combining finesse and definition with a clean finish. (2021)"

94 points and 'Cellar Selection,' 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. Alcohol 13.5%. (May 2019)"

93+ points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (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. Drink: 2019-2036. (Nov 2018)"

93 points Jane Anson (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. Drinking Window: 2027-2045. (Jun 2020)"

92+ points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2016 Labégorce has a more introspective bouquet than its peers – a bashful Margaux, although with time I suspect it will gain more intensity. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannins, a little pinched toward the second half, with cedar and graphite on the aftertaste. Broody at the moment - cellaring required. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting. Drink: 2024-2050. (Aug 2020)"