Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
par Ian D'Agata le 30/06/2013
(53% cabernet sauvignon, 36% merlot, 8% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot): Good full, medium ruby-red. Enticing aromas of blackberry, violet, licorice and fresh herbs. Open-knit and verging on plush initially, then turns a bit less fruity and fleshy, offering uncomplicated dark berry and floral flavors. The bright finish features decent length but shows a youthfully ungiving character. This 2012 is projected to age for 15 months in only 30% new oak, which is likely to be a sensible decision in 2012. I firmly believe that the wines have improved greatly here since the Perrodo family (who have recently acquired Marquis d'Alesme), owners of both Labegorce and Labegorce Zede, decided to fold the latter into Labegorce beginning with the 2009 vintage. The paltry 35 h/h yield may also have something to do with this wine's quality in 2012.