2021 Labegorce
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Tasting notes
Delphine Kolasa feels that the 4% Cabernet Franc was key to the character of Labégorce in 2021. She opted not to chaptalize, and Labégorce has 12.5% alcohol as a result. She was gentle with extraction to balance the wine, producing a classical, elegant wine with aromas of dark blackcurrant fruit but a delicious, herbal freshness with saline, savoury complexity. Everything is in sync here, with fine tannins and juicy acidity as it builds to the smoke-scented finish (from 35% new oak). Blend: 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc
Critic scores
Average Score
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Dark purple. A little bit rank on the nose. Then pretty chewy and fruitless. (JR)
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.
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.
About the producer
Historically Château Labégorce was one of the largest estates in the Médoc. It was originally owned by the Grosse family (or Gorce – hence the name) whose ownership dates back to the 14th century.