Labegorce 2022 (375ML)

95 DE / 92-94 JD / 92-94 VM / 93 JA / 91-93+ WI

Fairly tannic but super cool and fresh too with cola and blueberry nuanced. Chewy but really juicy, an approachable fun and easy wine still with bite, tang, juiciness and tannic density. Very appealing still with bite. Not as dense and weight as some, but wow there's a lot to like; gorgeous acidity, textured and well defined tannins, lovely punchy fruit and a long length. Delicious, still with a minty, graphite and clove lift on the finish. 2% Petit Verdot completes the blend. 3.6pH. Ageing in 40% new oak. Harvest 12 September 12 - 5 October. Tasted twice and loved it both times. - Georgina Hindle, Decanter

I continue to love the wines from Labégorce. Their 2022 checks in as 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Classic notes of darker currants, blackberries, smoked tobacco, and fresh earth all flow to a medium to full-bodied, pure, layered Margaux offering quality tannins as well as terrific purity of fruit. Pulled from 85% of the total production and aging in 40% new French oak, it's going to offer pleasure right out of the gate yet still have two decades of longevity. - Jeb Dunnuck

The 2022 Labégorce, which sees the introduction of Cabernet Franc, was picked 12 September to 5 October and aged in 40% new oak. This needs a little time to find its voice on the nose, touches of black pepper infusing the red and blueberry fruit. There is a hint of terracotta. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, tensile, expressive with a lightly spiced, gentle grip. Just a bit of dryness appears on the finish but that will round out during élevage. This will be an utterly charming Margaux. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media

Very different in shape and feel than sibling Tour de Mons, still lots of spice, more cardamon, cloves and grilled sandalwood. There is density and concentration, and clear tannic heft, one block stacking up along the next, closing in on the palate, showing astringency and a huge future ahead of it. Clear eucalyptus, black pepper, drawing the flavours out through the palate. Harvest September 12 to October 5. 3.6ph. Marjolaine de Coninck CEO and technical director. The blend given is planted, not as per final wine, allowing slight evolution over ageing, so these are ones to check back in on when in bottle. Mid silver. 40% new oak. - Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

A blend of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2022 Labegorce is deep garnet-purple in color. It tumbles out of the glass with eager-to-please notes of juicy black plums, wild blueberries, and warm cassis, leading to touches of cedar, wild sage, and cloves. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers muscular fruit with firm, grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing woody. This is an ambitious Labegorce! - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent