Winemaker Notes
Blend: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
I loved the 2021 Château Labégorce and I'd certainly be a happy buyer. Red and black fruits, graphite, tobacco, and some freshly sharpened pencil-like notes all define the aromatics, and it's medium-bodied, with a supple, layered, elegant mouthfeel, fine tannins, and outstanding length. Based on 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, aged in 35% new oak, it will drink nicely for a solid 10-15 years.
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Vinous
The 2021 Labégorce is a powerful, driving wine. It is not exactly subtle, but it definitely packs a good punch. Black cherry, gravel, incense, spice, licorice and scorched earth abound. This is a decidedly savory/earthy Margaux, with burly contours and a few rough edges, but overall it’s enjoyable. –Antonio Galloni
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Decanter
Plump and slightly full expression for the vintage, the ageing have added some fat to the tannins - almost chewy with fresh acidity - strawberry and red cherry flavours and prominent minerality. The frame is taking over some of the fruity fun, but this is well presented with some character and liveliness. Great acidity and bounce to the palate. Not weighty as such and the fruit doesn't quite last to the finish with a cola and liquorice end but this is well worked. I like it. Tasty and really well delivered.
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James Suckling
A focused and fresh red with black currants, black plums, walnuts and tea leaves on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with bright acidity, a fresh minerality and medium-firm tannins.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Silky, seductive and polished are the words that characterize the best wines from Margaux, the most inland appellation of the Médoc on the Left Bank of Bordeaux.
Margaux’s gravel soils are the thinnest of the Médoc, making them most penetrable by vine roots—some reaching down over 23 feet for water. The best sites are said to be on gentle outcrops, or croupes, where more gravel facilitates good drainage.
The Left Bank of Bordeaux subscribes to an arguably outdated method of classification but it is nonetheless important in regards to history of the area. In 1855 the finest chateaux were deemed on the basis of reputation and trading price—at that time. In 1855, Chateau Margaux achieved first growth status, yet it has been Chateau Palmer (officially third growth from the 1855 classification) that has consistently outperformed others throughout the 20th century.
Chateau Margaux in top vintages is capable of producing red Cabernet Sauvignon based wines described as pure, intense, spell-binding, refined and profound with flavors and aromas of black currant, violets, roses, orange peel, black tea and incense.
Other top producers worthy of noting include Chateau Rauzan-Ségla, Lascombes, Brane-Cantenac, and d’Issan, among others.
The best wines of Margaux combine a deep ruby color with a polished structure, concentration and an unrivaled elegance.