Tasted at a recent Bordeaux tasting where it was my favorite in the line up among 2005-2016 and decided to buy a few bottles. Drank half a bottle on Sunday night with friends and although it was nice, I found it somewhat muted with present residual tannic. Served the second half of the bottle 2 days later and enjoyed it with beef pot pie for pi day. Wow, it sang! So enjoyable. A classic Margaux, the fruit came out on the nose and it showed to be full of life. Blackberry, blueberry, sweet savory musky forest earth, some graphite. Silky smooth in the mouth. Nice lingering taste. This is drinking very well at the moment. I can’t wait to drink the other bottles I bought.
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Very nice Margaux: blackberry, plum, graphite, prune, mocca, soft fig, medium plus body, with 17 years of age still a fruit driven fresh finish. Years of life ahead.
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Cellared at 12.5 degrees since 2007. Cork sweet scented and dark only 5 mm up cork. 1 hr decant into Burgundy glass. Served at 18 degrees. Full bodied, tawny rim, bright xtal clear. Nose gentle dark fruit blackberry, blueberry with a musky intoxicating damp forest backdrop. Superb just to nose this. Fine silky tannins not over powering with an acidic uplift. Fruit follows nose and beautifully integrated with musky flavours. long 30 sec finish. Mouth feel is silky but mid palate a little light. After another hour this was stunning. Mid palate now full on. I rarely taste a wine that evolves so quickly in glass in the right way. Tried this two years ago and was disappointed. Was this bottle variation or its now in its sweet spot?
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Opened the second auction magnum to enjoy with Monday Night Football and the next 3 nights. Nose of black berry, black cherry, floral spring bouquet, much more floral than previous magnum, and dr, dusty, earth, medium/big body, tasty, mouth filling fruit, elegant Bordeaux, style, tastier and richer than the previous magnum by far, and a long, lovely finish and aftertaste. Photo uploaded.
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Silver Oak Healdsburg Tasting Experience (Silver Oak Cellars Healdsburg, Ca.): Nose of black berry, cassis, floral spring bouquet, floor and earth, medium/big body, tasty, mouth filling fruit, showing its ag tonight but Kathy and I thought it beautiful old style Bordeaux, and a long, pleasant finish. Photo uploaded. The cork showed 2005 vintage and Margaux but not the name of the Chateau.
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Auction magnum for $62 with tax enjoyed over 3 nights, nose of black berry, very floral nose, hints of forest floor and earth, medium/big body, tasty, mouth filling fruit, slightly past peak, holding well but time to enjoy is definitely now, paired with camembert and sharp cheddar different nights, long, pleasant finish.
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Dark red color with a clear 4mm edge. PNP, drank 2 glasses over 90 minutes. This opens over about 20 minutes into what one would call a classicly styled claret; rustic minerality, still somewhat firm tannins, modest dark berry fruit and just hints now of violets and graphite. I'd say this was at its best a couple years ago, yet still provides some pleasure while the fruit holds on. Drink up.
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Lovely wine in a great place. Leather, cedar and darke berry fruits. Pencil lead and iron mingling into the smooth, silky tannins typical of its place. Classic Margaux.
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Earthy, loamy, bright Cherries. Has a present sweetness behind the aromas. Excrellent! Palate a little astringent, tart, mouthwatering red cherries. Pretty quick finish. Opened and drank over 3 days.
Not much complexity, but the nose is worth the price. Overall a good purchase from a friend that sold it for his original cost around 30$. Have some ‘16 in the pipeline. Nice intro to wine with character. Current 2005 prices are in the 50$ range of CT. I’d invest elsewhere.
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I thought this was just okay. Very subtle and definitely had some class. The wine was decanted and opened up over the course of our dinner but never seemed to hit full stride. Not enough going on for my palate but nothing wrong with this wine. It was not over the hill and there was nothing defective. Didn’t take any formal notes.
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Second Sunday Group: Finger Lakes Riesling (Mike & Judi's): Popped and poured with dinner; not sure who contributed this one. Currant and plum overtones with a subtle floral perfume underneath. Dark color- still looks quite youthful, and definitely tastes this way too. A bit tannic and firm, with dark fruit and violet liqueur flavors. Touch of wood evident in the finish. Needs time yet. Maybe from 2023+?
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Drinking beautifully now. Decanted it to watch it develop from a tightly closed, almost thin wine into a deep, dark, velvety one. Still dark red in colour. Tannins still present, it will go a while still, but very soft, giving great structure. The fruit all dark berries, some lovely dark chocolate. Much more than that but cannot remember it all. Will put the last bottle off a few years.
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Very dark red color. PNP, drank 1+ glass over 90 minutes. This is in a pretty good place now. Marked development has occurred over the two years having since having it last. The nose shows a nice red cherry and red raspberry with tobacco and a touch of violet with modest earthen tones and some cassis. The palate is rather pretty with medium body and a nice purity to the dark red streaked fruit, The oak has melded and the tannins have softened now. This is ready and can likely go for another 5 years. A very pleasureable Margaux from a stellar vintage. I'm glad I have a few of this level of '05's stashed away. They will serve us quite well in the long run overperforming nicely. 89+ to 90pts.
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Drank with Kent & Irene Burrows. Nina prepared Lamb shank with ossobucco - Excellent. Deep red color. Blackberry/currant, full mouth but not as powerful as I expected. Med finish. mineriality, spicy
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From Art's cellar. One-hour (or so) decant. Bowl was garnet, no bricking. Nose was very pleasant, red currants, cedar and a hint of violets, but was not overly imbued with the signature Margaux floral. In the mouth, wine had good balance, very pleasant red fruit flavors and soft tannins that gave some structure. Vanilla came out at the end. If I had drank this blind, I would have guessed a cru bourgeois Pauillac. Very correct, even though neither typical nor superlative.
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Ready to drink, medium bodied, earthy, plum and cherry focused wine, complicated by notes of cedar, herbs and leafy, forest aromatics. The finish is pleasant, but slightly rustic.
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Wonderful, luscious fruit over a nice frame of acid and tannin. Almost seems New World in its voluptuousness as its drinking right now. Really a nicely constructed and thoroughly enjoyable wine.
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Very dark red color. PNP, drank 1+ glass over 90 minutes. Would have been better had there been an opportunity to decant this for 1 to 2 hours. Fairly tight on opening this was just beginning to flesh out after an hour. The fruit skews dark red, cherry and some berries. Earthy and minerally. Medium body. The tannins are fine but firmer currently. Next time will need to decant. My dad and son liked it alot. 88 to 89pts.
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Over Coq au Vin dinner. Very nice bordeaux coming along nicely after a decade. Dark black fruits, violets, minerals on nose. Palate was elegant and fruity. 91+
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It's come a long way since my previous experience, with cedar, earth, herb tones and restrained fruit, palate is earthy but with displayed fruit with acidity and fine tannin, young in an old world classic way
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The score is because of the age... 1.5 hour in open bottle and this wine was as smooth as a polished river stone. Hints of pencil and cigar. Obviously not the structure of a great bordeaux, but even with only a decade this wine was earthy and elegant at once. I love 10 yr old bordeaux.
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No signs of softening yet, cedar, thyme, subtle dark fruit and some earth, palate seems a touch more out of balance now, with tannins prevailing throughout.
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Deep ruby, coloured rim with slow moving legs. Medium developing aromas of blackberries, cedar and dark fruits. Dry, medium acidity, medium ripe tannins, medium body. Medium flavours of red and black fruits, cocoa, mocha. Balanced, rather linear, and fruit-driven. Good length with bitter-dry finish. A good wine.
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Dark ruby color, very little nose, but quite soft and too mellow. Did not impress me and happy I did not had to buy but could tast this bottle in the Emirates lounge in Dubai.
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Decanted. No sludge at all. Dark ruby with no tawny colour at edge. Cellar temperature 56 F (13 C). Sat in decanter for about one hour and temp raised to 66 F (19 C). Restrained, closed nose of barely noticeable black current and black cherry. Waited another 1/2 hour and temp up to 68F (20C). Much more fruit on nose but when temp up to 21C the ripe black fruit really started to emerge. Mostly blackcherry, a hint of well integrated oak and a whif of alcohol. Ripe blackberry, black cherry on middle palate. Overly dry finish but late emerging, lingering and quite lovely black licorice/tobacco finish. Still young is my guess but more time will ripen cherry fruit, add complexity, soften tannins and increase harmony. Could be really great in a few more years...
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Deep ruby, pitch black core and tainted legs. Developed medium aromas of blackberries, dried leafs, cedar and notes of tobacco/oak. Dry, medium(+) acidity, medium ripe tannins, medium alcohol and medium(+) body. Medium(+) flavors of blackberries, blackcurrant, soft spices. Balanced and restrained. Medium long focussed finish yet somewhat lacking in the middle palate.
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This wine has some nice open fruit on the nose, with a rather plummy character. Sweet and creamy on the palate, well defined fruit, with a massive wall of tannins. Velvety but running into chewiness, good acidity, but there is a bitter streak to the structure. Good.
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Day 1:Almost nothing on the nose, and the taste reveals nothing else. Medium acid, dry. Tart. Not at all pleasurable. Good thing I only own one.
Day 2: Wow. What a difference a day makes. Slightly warmer temperature (around 72 F). The nose and flavors have definitely come out. Whereas it was shallow when first opened (and at 62 F), it bloomed with a little air and warmth. Nose is bursting with invitations to drink. Medium acidity, no longer tart. Excellent finish with flavors of blueberries, cedar and pomegranite.
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Dark garnet hue, pencil lead/hay nose, medium bodied, cedar/oak taste, medium finish. Enjoyed this wine, but knowing the price I'd pass. Wife is not a fan of French wine, in general, but she "tolerated" this wine.
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Nose: Ripe plums and currants dominate. Dried flowers, hint of tobacco leaf, wax, and graphite as well. Palate: Ripe (but not overly sweet) currants, graphite, anise on the attack. Smooth tannins and good acidity show up on the mid-palate. Currants, tobacco leaf, and plums linger on the long finish.
So, this wine's drinking window is most definitely open and probably on the early side of opening. There is stuffing, excellent integration of fruit, tannins, and acidity, but the overall sweetness and punch from the fruit isn't there. It really does have the stuffing of a 2005 - focused, dense, not lush... but the fruit character of a 2001/2004. Had I bought this for $20 as futures I would be much more pleased. As it is, this is a solid Margaux that is worth trying out once if the price of admission is under $40.
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Nose is clean, medium + , developing aromas of floral: rose, violet; red fruit: red currant, raspberry, red cherry; black fruit: blackberry and blueberry; oak notes of vanilla, cedar; herbal note of mint, lavender, very faint maturity notes of savoury tobacco and cedar.
Palate is dry with medium acidity, medium + tannins, medium alcohol, body is medium. Flavor intensity is medium + with tastes of rose, violet; red fruit: red currant, raspberry, red cherry; black fruit: blackberry and blueberry; oak notes of vanilla, cedar; herbal note of mint, lavender. Length is medium +.
Quality of this wine is very good. It is a youthful, well structured wine right now whose tannins are greater than its fruit intensity on the palate. However, the nose is medium + intensity and very complex in its aromas. Its length is already medium + with acidity and especially tannins lengthy beyond fruit character, however, those components are balanced. It has the has slight hints of age with its savory flavors on the palate.
This can be drunk now but will age for a decade.
Guess: Cru Bordeaux, cabernet dominate, $60
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Pretty purple/ruby color with very slight bricking at the fine edge. Aromas of cedar and yellow plum translate to the palate. Flavor is well integrated, mild acid and tannic presence make for a pleasant slurp. Suspect this will continue to mature nicely for the next 5-8 years.
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Dark red with presenceof tannin, it will gain complexity with time. I will not open another bottle before 2013. There is noticeable presence of plum and smoked notes. Great cost/benefit.
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The wine is dark and purplish. In the nose powerful ripe fruit, blackberry and blueberry. A lot of depth and darkness, with a tempting tension. Earthy. In the mouth full-bodied, rich. Hearty juice. Tannins are ripe, but in the finish noticeably young. Sensible use of oak, already quite well-integrated. Impression of liquorice. A joy to drink, but this wine will gain complexity and refinement in the future. Should reach its prime between 2020 and 2025.
In this vintage, which is now the benchmark, the Chateau Lebergorce is marked by aromas of black fruit, light toasted notes and a rich palate with weight. The tannins are very present and the fruitiness is particularly expressed. An untamed style that is not without a certain charm. A vin de garde (for keeping) par excellence.
Background Notes:
The origins of Labégorce lie in a large estate in the northern parts of the commune of Margaux which belonged to the Gorce (or Gorsse) family, perhaps as long ago as the 14th Century. The family were originally merchants, gradually climbing the social ladder in Bordeaux, assuming a more aristocratic standing in the community as they did so. They were still the proprietors here in the 18th Century, and documents from that time indicate that there was viticulture on the estate, the vineyards dotted between fields of wheat and pasture where cattle grazed.
This was the situation at the time of the French Revolution, when like so many other estates in Bordeaux, Labégorce was divided and sold off, giving rise to three estates that still estate today. The first, that which concerns us here, is Chateau Labégorce and the second is Labégorce-Zédé, named for Pierre Zédé who acquired the estate in 1840. The third is the curiously named L'Abbé Gorsse de Gorsse, an estate long defunct as far as viticulture is concerned, but which is still clearly visible on the currently available maps of the commune. Following the break-up of the original estate the modern-day Labégorce first passed to a gentleman named Capelle, and subsequently changed hands a number of times, most recently coming into the ownership of Hubert Perrodo in 1989.
The Labégorce vineyards include three main plots, totalling 70 hectares in all, although only approximately 40 hectares are fully planted up. All three plots lie in the northernmost part of the commune. The largest plot, accounting for about two-thirds, lies just northeast of the fine chateau, which was constructed by the renowned architect Courcelles. There is a second plot around the chateau itself, accounting for about a quarter of all the Labégorce vines, while the smallest plot lies a little further north around the church in Soussans.
The vines average 30 years of age, with the oldest vines, of which there are just four hectares, dating from between 1902 and 1950. More date from 1951 to 1985, whereas a quarter date from 1989 when extensive replanting took place. Vineyard practices involve careful use of chemicals, with no herbicide used at all, and yields are typically 50 hl/ha. Harvesting is by hand, and fermentation begins with a short, cold maceration followed by a temperature controlled process. Each parcel of vines, of which there are many, is vinified separately.
The blend is 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Malolactic fermentation takes place in oak, 30% of which is new, where the wine spends up to fifteen months. It is fined using egg whites before bottling. The grand vin is Chateau Labégorce, and the second wine is Chateau Tour de Laroze. There is also a third wine, produced from a 4 hectare plot entitled to the Haut-Médoc appellation, called La Mouline de Labégorce.
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Seems to me to having the stuff and concentration to make a go at a longer term ager. Doesn't quite reveal "Margaux" yet but I would guess that will come up in time. Quite a wine for $43.
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Drank w/ Lestrille. Similar wine. More fruit, more oak. Bigger. Better? Maybe more sophisticated, more polish. Will surely age longer. For the dough, tough to beat Lestrille. Both are worthy Bdx.
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decanted for several hours. nose - berry. some off flavors (funk). mouth - well balanced with good acidity. I tasted it side by side with an Aussie Shiraz Grenache Blend (Rolf Binder) and found it to less of a fruit bomb, much more restrained, perhaps more of an earthy production, a food wine, old world style.
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2005 Bordeaux en Primeur; 3/26/2006-3/28/2006 (Bordeaux France): En Primeur tasting. Dark fruit is very enjoyable while slightly simple. Good integration already, moderate length and good concentration. Should drink nicely young, 2010-2020. 87-88 point potential.
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3/14/2023 - Explorateur Likes this wine: 92 Points
Tasted at a recent Bordeaux tasting where it was my favorite in the line up among 2005-2016 and decided to buy a few bottles. Drank half a bottle on Sunday night with friends and although it was nice, I found it somewhat muted with present residual tannic. Served the second half of the bottle 2 days later and enjoyed it with beef pot pie for pi day. Wow, it sang! So enjoyable. A classic Margaux, the fruit came out on the nose and it showed to be full of life. Blackberry, blueberry, sweet savory musky forest earth, some graphite. Silky smooth in the mouth. Nice lingering taste. This is drinking very well at the moment. I can’t wait to drink the other bottles I bought.
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3/4/2023 - Wine Lover 916 Likes this wine: 94 Points
QPR. No 1.
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4/7/2022 - Mark van Delft Likes this wine: 92 Points
Very nice Margaux: blackberry, plum, graphite, prune, mocca, soft fig, medium plus body, with 17 years of age still a fruit driven fresh finish. Years of life ahead.
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12/28/2021 - RED AND BLACK wrote: 86 Points
Nothing special, unbalanced wine not with notes of Margaux. Hard to see value in this one. Alcohol on nose, hot in mouth
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11/13/2021 - MarcGMEHofman Likes this wine: 90 Points
Nose is slightly weakening; taste remains very good
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9/4/2021 - dwood Likes this wine: 92 Points
Cellared at 12.5 degrees since 2007. Cork sweet scented and dark only 5 mm up cork.
1 hr decant into Burgundy glass. Served at 18 degrees.
Full bodied, tawny rim, bright xtal clear.
Nose gentle dark fruit blackberry, blueberry with a musky intoxicating damp forest backdrop. Superb just to nose this.
Fine silky tannins not over powering with an acidic uplift. Fruit follows nose and beautifully integrated with musky flavours. long 30 sec finish. Mouth feel is silky but mid palate a little light.
After another hour this was stunning. Mid palate now full on. I rarely taste a wine that evolves so quickly in glass in the right way.
Tried this two years ago and was disappointed. Was this bottle variation or its now in its sweet spot?
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7/22/2021 - PBANGELO Likes this wine:
Drank with friends at dinner. Full-bodied and delicious.
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12/14/2020 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 92 Points
Opened the second auction magnum to enjoy with Monday Night Football and the next 3 nights. Nose of black berry, black cherry, floral spring bouquet, much more floral than previous magnum, and dr, dusty, earth, medium/big body, tasty, mouth filling fruit, elegant Bordeaux, style, tastier and richer than the previous magnum by far, and a long, lovely finish and aftertaste. Photo uploaded.
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12/4/2020 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 89 Points
Silver Oak Healdsburg Tasting Experience (Silver Oak Cellars Healdsburg, Ca.): Nose of black berry, cassis, floral spring bouquet, floor and earth, medium/big body, tasty, mouth filling fruit, showing its ag tonight but Kathy and I thought it beautiful old style Bordeaux, and a long, pleasant finish. Photo uploaded. The cork showed 2005 vintage and Margaux but not the name of the Chateau.
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12/3/2020 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 90 Points
Auction magnum for $62 with tax enjoyed over 3 nights, nose of black berry, very floral nose, hints of forest floor and earth, medium/big body, tasty, mouth filling fruit, slightly past peak, holding well but time to enjoy is definitely now, paired with camembert and sharp cheddar different nights, long, pleasant finish.
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8/26/2020 - rocknroller wrote: 89 Points
Dark red color with a clear 4mm edge. PNP, drank 2 glasses over 90 minutes. This opens over about 20 minutes into what one would call a classicly styled claret; rustic minerality, still somewhat firm tannins, modest dark berry fruit and just hints now of violets and graphite. I'd say this was at its best a couple years ago, yet still provides some pleasure while the fruit holds on. Drink up.
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10/6/2019 - Wineloon Likes this wine: 90 Points
Lovely wine in a great place. Leather, cedar and darke berry fruits. Pencil lead and iron mingling into the smooth, silky tannins typical of its place. Classic Margaux.
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7/20/2019 - loloFR Likes this wine: 89 Points
At its peak. Spicy, dry, austere, cassis. Good
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7/12/2019 - rocknroller wrote: 88 Points
Dark red color. PNP, drank 2 glasses over 2 hours. Dry, austere, dark fruit, medium firm tannins, medium full bodied, iron mineral.
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6/11/2019 - Lemberger Likes this wine: 91 Points
Beautiful. Last bottle perfect but could have gone a few more years easily and not minded.
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2/15/2019 - pilot360 wrote: 88 Points
Earthy, loamy, bright Cherries. Has a present sweetness behind the aromas.
Excrellent!
Palate a little astringent, tart, mouthwatering red cherries. Pretty quick finish.
Opened and drank over 3 days.
Not much complexity, but the nose is worth the price. Overall a good purchase from a friend that sold it for his original cost around 30$.
Have some ‘16 in the pipeline.
Nice intro to wine with character.
Current 2005 prices are in the 50$ range of CT. I’d invest elsewhere.
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10/19/2018 - toddmk wrote: 88 Points
I thought this was just okay. Very subtle and definitely had some class. The wine was decanted and opened up over the course of our dinner but never seemed to hit full stride. Not enough going on for my palate but nothing wrong with this wine. It was not over the hill and there was nothing defective. Didn’t take any formal notes.
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7/8/2018 - AllRed wrote: 89 Points
Second Sunday Group: Finger Lakes Riesling (Mike & Judi's): Popped and poured with dinner; not sure who contributed this one. Currant and plum overtones with a subtle floral perfume underneath. Dark color- still looks quite youthful, and definitely tastes this way too. A bit tannic and firm, with dark fruit and violet liqueur flavors. Touch of wood evident in the finish. Needs time yet. Maybe from 2023+?
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12/2/2017 - Lemberger Likes this wine: 90 Points
Drinking beautifully now. Decanted it to watch it develop from a tightly closed, almost thin wine into a deep, dark, velvety one. Still dark red in colour. Tannins still present, it will go a while still, but very soft, giving great structure. The fruit all dark berries, some lovely dark chocolate. Much more than that but cannot remember it all. Will put the last bottle off a few years.
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8/27/2017 - rocknroller wrote: 90 Points
Very dark red color. PNP, drank 1+ glass over 90 minutes. This is in a pretty good place now. Marked development has occurred over the two years having since having it last. The nose shows a nice red cherry and red raspberry with tobacco and a touch of violet with modest earthen tones and some cassis. The palate is rather pretty with medium body and a nice purity to the dark red streaked fruit, The oak has melded and the tannins have softened now. This is ready and can likely go for another 5 years. A very pleasureable Margaux from a stellar vintage. I'm glad I have a few of this level of '05's stashed away. They will serve us quite well in the long run overperforming nicely. 89+ to 90pts.
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5/1/2017 - lbatina wrote: 90 Points
Drank with Kent & Irene Burrows. Nina prepared Lamb shank with ossobucco - Excellent. Deep red color. Blackberry/currant, full mouth but not as powerful as I expected. Med finish. mineriality, spicy
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1/25/2017 - OenophilistMN Likes this wine: 85 Points
From Art's cellar. One-hour (or so) decant. Bowl was garnet, no bricking. Nose was very pleasant, red currants, cedar and a hint of violets, but was not overly imbued with the signature Margaux floral. In the mouth, wine had good balance, very pleasant red fruit flavors and soft tannins that gave some structure. Vanilla came out at the end. If I had drank this blind, I would have guessed a cru bourgeois Pauillac. Very correct, even though neither typical nor superlative.
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10/19/2016 - Jeff Leve wrote: 87 Points
Ready to drink, medium bodied, earthy, plum and cherry focused wine, complicated by notes of cedar, herbs and leafy, forest aromatics. The finish is pleasant, but slightly rustic.
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7/8/2016 - physicsfan3.14@gmail.com Likes this wine: 89 Points
Mature, earth scents of leather, tobacco, and cedar great the nose, followed by subtle fruit. The palate is smooth, full, and delicious.
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5/31/2016 - vegasoenophile Likes this wine: 92 Points
Wonderful, luscious fruit over a nice frame of acid and tannin. Almost seems New World in its voluptuousness as its drinking right now. Really a nicely constructed and thoroughly enjoyable wine.
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8/29/2015 - rocknroller wrote: 88 Points
Very dark red color. PNP, drank 1+ glass over 90 minutes. Would have been better had there been an opportunity to decant this for 1 to 2 hours. Fairly tight on opening this was just beginning to flesh out after an hour. The fruit skews dark red, cherry and some berries. Earthy and minerally. Medium body. The tannins are fine but firmer currently. Next time will need to decant. My dad and son liked it alot. 88 to 89pts.
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8/4/2015 - Tonythefish wrote: 91 Points
It's improved as the tannins have softened allowing a much better dark red fruit finish with earthy overtones
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6/18/2015 - macker100 wrote: 91 Points
Over Coq au Vin dinner. Very nice bordeaux coming along nicely after a decade. Dark black fruits, violets, minerals on nose. Palate was elegant and fruity. 91+
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6/8/2015 - eoinhharkins wrote:
consistent with previous experience
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1/26/2015 - eoinhharkins Likes this wine: 90 Points
It's come a long way since my previous experience, with cedar, earth, herb tones and restrained fruit, palate is earthy but with displayed fruit with acidity and fine tannin, young in an old world classic way
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1/25/2015 - Kevdog wrote: 92 Points
The score is because of the age... 1.5 hour in open bottle and this wine was as smooth as a polished river stone. Hints of pencil and cigar. Obviously not the structure of a great bordeaux, but even with only a decade this wine was earthy and elegant at once. I love 10 yr old bordeaux.
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1/19/2015 - CellarGuy17 wrote: 92 Points
Flavors are well integrated. Medium plus tannins.
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1/1/2015 - MattB72 wrote: 90 Points
We liked liked it much more than the othe CT reviews. Drank from a mag and NYE, decant for 2 hrs.
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12/9/2014 - wineOK wrote: 87 Points
Nice on day 1. Lost its zing and nice acidity on day 2. Drink in one sitting.
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7/17/2014 - Surfdoc wrote: 87 Points
Simple dark fruit and cedar flavor. Medium body with lots of acidity. Full, sharp, drying tannins on the finish
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3/30/2014 - eoinhharkins wrote: 88 Points
No signs of softening yet, cedar, thyme, subtle dark fruit and some earth, palate seems a touch more out of balance now, with tannins prevailing throughout.
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8/31/2013 - Tonythefish wrote: 88 Points
Dark garnet red. Nose was not typical French. A little tight to start but after decanting it was a nice easy drinking bordeaux
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8/18/2013 - eoinhharkins Likes this wine: 89 Points
Still quite tight, with subtle notes of cedar, dark fruit and some rock, touch of thyme pops on the mid palate and the finish is quite tannic
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8/1/2013 - jasonmckni wrote: 86 Points
Dark, inky red. Nose isn't big. Silky/smooth on the palate, slightly bitter finish. Dry.
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6/19/2013 - Barolo Raymond wrote: 89 Points
Deep ruby, coloured rim with slow moving legs. Medium developing aromas of blackberries, cedar and dark fruits. Dry, medium acidity, medium ripe tannins, medium body. Medium flavours of red and black fruits, cocoa, mocha. Balanced, rather linear, and fruit-driven. Good length with bitter-dry finish. A good wine.
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6/11/2013 - michigan66 wrote: 87 Points
Dark ruby color, very little nose, but quite soft and too mellow. Did not impress me and happy I did not had to buy but could tast this bottle in the Emirates lounge in Dubai.
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4/30/2013 - WineVirtue wrote: 89 Points
Decanted. No sludge at all. Dark ruby with no tawny colour at edge. Cellar temperature 56 F (13 C). Sat in decanter for about one hour and temp raised to 66 F (19 C). Restrained, closed nose of barely noticeable black current and black cherry. Waited another 1/2 hour and temp up to 68F (20C). Much more fruit on nose but when temp up to 21C the ripe black fruit really started to emerge. Mostly blackcherry, a hint of well integrated oak and a whif of alcohol. Ripe blackberry, black cherry on middle palate. Overly dry finish but late emerging, lingering and quite lovely black licorice/tobacco finish. Still young is my guess but more time will ripen cherry fruit, add complexity, soften tannins and increase harmony. Could be really great in a few more years...
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4/17/2013 - Barolo Raymond wrote: 88 Points
Deep ruby, pitch black core and tainted legs. Developed medium aromas of blackberries, dried leafs, cedar and notes of tobacco/oak. Dry, medium(+) acidity, medium ripe tannins, medium alcohol and medium(+) body. Medium(+) flavors of blackberries, blackcurrant, soft spices. Balanced and restrained. Medium long focussed finish yet somewhat lacking in the middle palate.
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12/5/2012 - Alain Harvey wrote: 88 Points
This wine has some nice open fruit on the nose, with a rather plummy character. Sweet and creamy on the palate, well defined fruit, with a massive wall of tannins. Velvety but running into chewiness, good acidity, but there is a bitter streak to the structure. Good.
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12/4/2012 - NPBWineGuy Likes this wine: 90 Points
Day 1:Almost nothing on the nose, and the taste reveals nothing else. Medium acid, dry. Tart. Not at all pleasurable. Good thing I only own one.
Day 2: Wow. What a difference a day makes. Slightly warmer temperature (around 72 F). The nose and flavors have definitely come out. Whereas it was shallow when first opened (and at 62 F), it bloomed with a little air and warmth. Nose is bursting with invitations to drink. Medium acidity, no longer tart. Excellent finish with flavors of blueberries, cedar and pomegranite.
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11/21/2012 - williamswhine wrote: 90 Points
Dark garnet hue, pencil lead/hay nose, medium bodied, cedar/oak taste, medium finish. Enjoyed this wine, but knowing the price I'd pass. Wife is not a fan of French wine, in general, but she "tolerated" this wine.
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2/17/2012 - gunpwdr wrote: 87 Points
Nose: Ripe plums and currants dominate. Dried flowers, hint of tobacco leaf, wax, and graphite as well. Palate: Ripe (but not overly sweet) currants, graphite, anise on the attack. Smooth tannins and good acidity show up on the mid-palate. Currants, tobacco leaf, and plums linger on the long finish.
So, this wine's drinking window is most definitely open and probably on the early side of opening. There is stuffing, excellent integration of fruit, tannins, and acidity, but the overall sweetness and punch from the fruit isn't there. It really does have the stuffing of a 2005 - focused, dense, not lush... but the fruit character of a 2001/2004. Had I bought this for $20 as futures I would be much more pleased. As it is, this is a solid Margaux that is worth trying out once if the price of admission is under $40.
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1/21/2012 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Wine was tasted blind.
Appearance: bright, clear, medium + ruby.
Nose is clean, medium + , developing aromas of floral: rose, violet; red fruit: red currant, raspberry, red cherry; black fruit: blackberry and blueberry; oak notes of vanilla, cedar; herbal note of mint, lavender, very faint maturity notes of savoury tobacco and cedar.
Palate is dry with medium acidity, medium + tannins, medium alcohol, body is medium. Flavor intensity is medium + with tastes of rose, violet; red fruit: red currant, raspberry, red cherry; black fruit: blackberry and blueberry; oak notes of vanilla, cedar; herbal note of mint, lavender. Length is medium +.
Quality of this wine is very good. It is a youthful, well structured wine right now whose tannins are greater than its fruit intensity on the palate. However, the nose is medium + intensity and very complex in its aromas. Its length is already medium + with acidity and especially tannins lengthy beyond fruit character, however, those components are balanced. It has the has slight hints of age with its savory flavors on the palate.
This can be drunk now but will age for a decade.
Guess: Cru Bordeaux, cabernet dominate, $60
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1/18/2012 - bbakove wrote: 84 Points
Pretty purple/ruby color with very slight bricking at the fine edge. Aromas of cedar and yellow plum translate to the palate. Flavor is well integrated, mild acid and tannic presence make for a pleasant slurp. Suspect this will continue to mature nicely for the next 5-8 years.
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12/31/2011 - ezt wrote: 80 Points
Dry and smooth. Not that exciting, but okay.
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12/18/2011 - JAprile wrote: 84 Points
Dry. Very smooth.
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12/18/2011 - JAprile wrote: 80 Points
Dry. Smooth
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12/18/2011 - JAprile wrote: 83 Points
Dry. Smooth.
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12/18/2011 - JAprile wrote: 85 Points
Dry. Very smooth.
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12/17/2011 - JAprile wrote: 84 Points
Dry and smooth
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12/3/2011 - rpontual wrote: 90 Points
Dark red with presenceof tannin, it will gain complexity with time. I will not open another bottle before 2013. There is noticeable presence of plum and smoked notes. Great cost/benefit.
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10/22/2011 - Alain Harvey wrote: 87 Points
The wine is dark and purplish. In the nose powerful ripe fruit, blackberry and blueberry. A lot of depth and darkness, with a tempting tension. Earthy. In the mouth full-bodied, rich. Hearty juice. Tannins are ripe, but in the finish noticeably young. Sensible use of oak, already quite well-integrated. Impression of liquorice. A joy to drink, but this wine will gain complexity and refinement in the future. Should reach its prime between 2020 and 2025.
In this vintage, which is now the benchmark, the Chateau Lebergorce is marked by aromas of black fruit, light toasted notes and a rich palate with weight. The tannins are very present and the fruitiness is particularly expressed. An untamed style that is not without a certain charm. A vin de garde (for keeping) par excellence.
Background Notes:
The origins of Labégorce lie in a large estate in the northern parts of the commune of Margaux which belonged to the Gorce (or Gorsse) family, perhaps as long ago as the 14th Century. The family were originally merchants, gradually climbing the social ladder in Bordeaux, assuming a more aristocratic standing in the community as they did so. They were still the proprietors here in the 18th Century, and documents from that time indicate that there was viticulture on the estate, the vineyards dotted between fields of wheat and pasture where cattle grazed.
This was the situation at the time of the French Revolution, when like so many other estates in Bordeaux, Labégorce was divided and sold off, giving rise to three estates that still estate today. The first, that which concerns us here, is Chateau Labégorce and the second is Labégorce-Zédé, named for Pierre Zédé who acquired the estate in 1840. The third is the curiously named L'Abbé Gorsse de Gorsse, an estate long defunct as far as viticulture is concerned, but which is still clearly visible on the currently available maps of the commune. Following the break-up of the original estate the modern-day Labégorce first passed to a gentleman named Capelle, and subsequently changed hands a number of times, most recently coming into the ownership of Hubert Perrodo in 1989.
The Labégorce vineyards include three main plots, totalling 70 hectares in all, although only approximately 40 hectares are fully planted up. All three plots lie in the northernmost part of the commune. The largest plot, accounting for about two-thirds, lies just northeast of the fine chateau, which was constructed by the renowned architect Courcelles. There is a second plot around the chateau itself, accounting for about a quarter of all the Labégorce vines, while the smallest plot lies a little further north around the church in Soussans.
The vines average 30 years of age, with the oldest vines, of which there are just four hectares, dating from between 1902 and 1950. More date from 1951 to 1985, whereas a quarter date from 1989 when extensive replanting took place. Vineyard practices involve careful use of chemicals, with no herbicide used at all, and yields are typically 50 hl/ha. Harvesting is by hand, and fermentation begins with a short, cold maceration followed by a temperature controlled process. Each parcel of vines, of which there are many, is vinified separately.
The blend is 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Malolactic fermentation takes place in oak, 30% of which is new, where the wine spends up to fifteen months. It is fined using egg whites before bottling. The grand vin is Chateau Labégorce, and the second wine is Chateau Tour de Laroze. There is also a third wine, produced from a 4 hectare plot entitled to the Haut-Médoc appellation, called La Mouline de Labégorce.
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2/24/2011 - misternordin wrote: 85 Points
Black currant, cedar tree, minerals. Medium-bodied. Soft tannins.
Check out my blog at misternordin.com!
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1/28/2011 - MXL wrote: 86 Points
GBP, cedar, and soft red fruit. Spice and bacon after the 1st hour, pencil lead after the second hour.
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4/9/2010 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Robust of character, needs time though. Great balance between acid, fruit and tannin. For $43 a great little ager.
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4/8/2010 - al-Zabba wrote:
Tight as hell and not really givin' it up right now. But granted, it was just opened.
Notes: (48% Cab, 40% Merlot, 10% Franc, 2% Verdot)
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4/8/2010 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Seems to me to having the stuff and concentration to make a go at a longer term ager. Doesn't quite reveal "Margaux" yet but I would guess that will come up in time. Quite a wine for $43.
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12/16/2009 - milwaukeewino wrote:
Drank w/ Lestrille. Similar wine. More fruit, more oak. Bigger.
Better?
Maybe more sophisticated, more polish. Will surely age longer.
For the dough, tough to beat Lestrille. Both are worthy Bdx.
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1/26/2009 - TashNYC wrote: 87 Points
Grand Crus de Bordeaux Tasting: 2005 & 2006 wines (NYC, The Lighthouse, Pier 60, Chelsea Piers): Ok. Needs some time
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11/15/2008 - soyhead wrote: 88 Points
decanted for several hours.
nose - berry. some off flavors (funk).
mouth - well balanced with good acidity. I tasted it side by side with an Aussie Shiraz Grenache Blend (Rolf Binder) and found it to less of a fruit bomb, much more restrained, perhaps more of an earthy production, a food wine, old world style.
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3/9/2008 - PanosKakaviatos Likes this wine:
Rather fresh and cranberry like. A supple medium bodied palate, refreshing on the finish.
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4/5/2006 - PanosKakaviatos Likes this wine: 91 Points
BORDEAUX 2005 / Cabernet rules; 4/5/2006-4/10/2006 (Bordeaux): A dark cherry flavored palate, and a good one at that, rich and suave, with some chocolate notes on the finish. Nice! 91-92+
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3/28/2006 - Burgundy Al wrote:
2005 Bordeaux en Primeur; 3/26/2006-3/28/2006 (Bordeaux France): En Primeur tasting. Dark fruit is very enjoyable while slightly simple. Good integration already, moderate length and good concentration. Should drink nicely young, 2010-2020. 87-88 point potential.
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