Solid Press, Bargain Pricing on Two 2016 BDX Overachievers 

2016 Le Crock, St-Estèphe ($42.99)

94 points Wine Enthusiast: "Under the same management as Château Léoville-Poyferré in Saint-Julien, this estate belongs to the Cuvelier family. With its structured Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is made to age. Big tannins and concentrated fruits are full and dense. *Cellar Selection* (RV)" (05/2019)

93 points Jane Anson - Inside Bordeaux: "Medium ruby in colour, with firm consistency from rim to core, still young and vibrant. As it opens; the black cherry, damson and cherry pit flavours give way to softer waves of tobacco anc crushed rocks. Still full of tannic power but the light is beginning to seep through. 30% new oak, owned by the Cuvelier family of Léoville-Poyferré." (10/2022)

93 points James Suckling: "The purity of the cabernet sauvignon is very evident here with currant and floral character. Full-bodied, firm and very polished with lovely, strong tannins. Muscular and polished. Give it three or four years to come together." (02/2019)

93 points The Wine Independent: "The 2016 Le Crock is deep garnet colored. It bounds out of the glass with eager-to-please notes of crushed blackberries, warm cassis, and chocolate mint, plus wafts of violets, licorice, and tilled soil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is grainy textured and refreshing, delivering tons of crunchy black fruits, finishing on a lingering earthy note. (LPB)" (12/2022)

92 points Vinous: "The 2016 Le Crock is a very pretty, fruity wine that will drink well with minimal cellaring. Bright red cherry and plum fruits are nicely pushed forward in this mid-weight, gracious Saint-Estèphe. All the elements are very nicely balanced. Floral overtones add to the wine's considerable appeal. In 2016, Le Crock is pliant and supple, both of which make it an absolute joy to drink now and over the next handful of years. (AG)" (12/2018)

92 points Wine Spectator: "Well-built, featuring dark plum and blackberry coulis flavors that impart a dark yet racy feel, while light charcoal, chalk and wet pebble notes keep the finish grounded in terroir. An echo of tobacco rings throughout. (JM)" (01/2019)

92 points Decanter: "A pleasing dark and red fruit nose that reflects notes of ripe and fresh fruit. A frank attack on the palate leads to noticeable tannins, with some oak derivation. The finish is medium in length, but longer than that of the 2005 vintage, which was also tasted and which showed this estates fine capacity for ageing. For the price, this wine is a real bargain! (PK)" (06/2020)

2016 Labégorce, Margaux ($44.99)

95 points James Suckling: "A very elegant and polished Margaux with great structure and an attractive touch of herbal freshness, then a delicate touch of sweetness at the long, fine finish." (02/2019)

94+ points Wine Enthusiast: "This estate on the north side of the village of Margaux is performing at its peak. As befits the vintage it's a rich wine with big tannins. But it also has the style that characterizes a Margaux, with a smooth, perfumed aftertaste. *Cellar Selection* (RV)" (05/2019)

94 points Jane Anson - Inside Bordeaux: "Concentrated but restrained with old school charm and an abundance of muscular tannins, it's easy to feel the heart of this wine, packed with liqourice, slate, black chocolate, cassis, brambled hedgerow, aniseed and fennel, with plenty of grip. Years ahead of it, an impressive wine in this exceptional vintage, offering good value. Harvest September 4 to October 21. 50% new oak, technical director Marjolaine de Coninck." (03/2023)

94 points Jeb Dunnuck: "From an estate on the uptick and showing beautifully on two separate occasions, the 2016 Château Labégorce is a head-turner of a Margaux that's based on 52% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that was brought up in 45% new oak, with the balance in once-used barrels. Sexy notes of blackcurrants, black raspberries, crushed flowers, sandalwood, and incense all flow to a medium to full-bodied, fabulously textured Margaux that carries ripe tannins, loads of fruit and richness, and a great finish. Since arriving in 2009, Marjolaine de Coninck has resurrected this estate and the wines now play with the top in the appellation." (02/2019)

93+ points Wine Advocate: "The 2016 Labégorce is composed of 52% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, aged in 45% new and 55% one-year-old French oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps out of the glass with gregarious cassis, kirsch and black raspberries, candied violets, dark chocolate and spearmint. Medium-bodied, elegant, fresh and with exciting intensity, it delivers a fantastically long, fragrant finish. (LPB)" (11/2018)

93 points Decanter: "Bravo for a strong performance in an excellent vintage from this non-classified estate in the heart of the Margaux appellation. Not as diaphanous as the regions top-tier wines, but has smooth tannins. The 45% new oak ageing is nicely integrated on a palate that reflects charm from the majority Merlot in the blend, with breadth and depth that outclasses some underperforming classified growths. (PK)" (04/2022)

92+ points Vinous: "The 2016 Labégorce has a more introspective bouquet than its peers a bashful Margaux, although with time I suspect it will gain more intensity. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannins, a little pinched toward the second half, with cedar and graphite on the aftertaste. Broody at the moment—cellaring required. (NM)" (08/2020)