Château Labégorce 2021

Aromas of minty dark berries, licorice and grilled meats introduce the 2021 Labégorce, a medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy wine that's unusually rich and sweet for the vintage, concluding with a carnal finish.

Friendly, with an up-front mix of red and black cherry fruit, backed by a lightly firm spine of cedar and alder. Ends with a light herbaceous echo. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2027. 12,000 cases made.

Plump and slightly full expression for the vintage, the ageing has 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.

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. Try after 2024.

Mid-deep ruby. Oily fruit and smoky wood spice show on the nose. Chalky, an immediate structural grip comes together with a lick of wood spice. The palate tails off in fruit, just lacking a little oomph on the finish. (TP)

The 2021 Labégorce has ample ripeness on the nose: black cherries, boysenberry and light violet aromas, the oak here nicely integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and gentle grip, tightly wound toward the finish that errs toward Pauillac in style. One bottle just seems to miss a bit of cohesion. This will require four to five years in bottle, but it has the substance to age well.

Violets, espresso, cherries, black raspberries and the perfect, light touch of mint open the aromatics. The palate is fresh, elegant, racy and red, with a cherry-packed finish that ends with a refreshing hint of spearmint. Drink from 2025–2038.

Dark ruby core with purple reflections and subtle brightening on the rim. Delicate floral notes, fresh cassis and red cherries on the nose with a touch of spice. Medium complexity, fresh and balanced with fine, well-integrated red berries. An animated, approachable style.

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.

Kunz barrel sample 2022: (50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 7 hl/ha, 12.5% vol. alcohol, production 120,000 bottles) Silky, refined bouquet, strawberries, mulberries, cedar, a delicate hint of leather, fine licorice. Delicate, fragrant palate with fresh fruit, good tannins, a finely muscular structure, powerful aromatics, and a long, delicate finish. Has room to improve.

(50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 7 hl/ha, 12.5% vol. alcohol, production 120,000 bottles) Silky, fine bouquet of strawberries, mulberries, cedar, a touch of leather, and delicate licorice. Refined, fragrant palate with fresh fruit, good tannins, a finely muscular structure, powerful aromatics, and a long, refined finish. Can improve further. 17/20 2029 - 2048

Cloves, cocoa bean and coffee, intense tannins and grilled oak with plenty of character, and the winemaking team has done a good job during ageing to emphasise a signature Left Bank character that is missing in so many wines this year. Cool vintage, slim and graceful blue and black fruits, mouthwatering with liquorice root and slate. Harvest from September 23 to October 19. Limestone subsoil, with clay and gravel, pH 3.75. An upscore.

The 2021 Labegorce is medium to deep garnet-purple in color. It needs a swirl or two to coax out notes of black cherries and mulberries, leading to hints of bay leaves, pencil lead, and cardamom. The light to medium-bodied palate is taut and chewy, with just enough freshness and an earthy finish.

We appreciate the digestible, fairly supple and juicy character of the 2021, which gives the wine immediate appeal. It will be best enjoyed fairly soon.

A generous, classic, welcoming nose with floral notes. Labégorce wears this vintage well. A silky attack, with a burst of pure black fruit, followed by plenty of acidity that will need time to soften.

Delicate and inviting, Labégorce’s bouquet perfectly expresses the fruit and freshness for which the estate’s wines are known. The suave mouthfeel is equally true to the house style and is ideally complemented—or counterbalanced, depending on your view—by a lively acidic structure that brings energy and salinity. A slender, elegant, mouthwatering wine.

Beautiful deep, intense red. Very aromatic nose with ripe fruit. Caressing palate with a suave, tender, and perfumed body. Pleasure and nuance on the finish.