Zédé 2018 – Château Labégorce Margaux.

In this review we are venturing into Bordeaux’s famous left bank. More precisely the Margaux appellation, with a red blend by Château Labégorce named “Zédé”.

About the Winery 

The winery and Château Labégorce belongs to the Perrodo family and counts for 27 hectares in the municipality of Soussans. The winery lies in the Margaux appellation that can be found Bordeaux’s left bank. Before the French Revolution the Domaine was much bigger, it consisted of what was later split in three parts: Château Labégorce, L’Abbé Gorsse de Gorsse and Labégorce-Zédé. Hubert Perrodo acquired Labégorce in 1989 and made it his goal to re-unite the Domaine in which he succeeded in 2005, when the last of the three parts (Labégorce-Zédé) was bought.

Their vineyards can be found on the typical sand and gravel soils that characterize Bordeaux’s left bank (referred to as the Médoc). Here the most used varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Merlot.

About the Wine 

Zédé is the “second wine” of Château Labégorce. This means that you will get a wine that has received the same care and patience in the vineyards and cellar but with a different selection of the grapes. The price however is friendlier for this reason.

The vinification process for this wine starts in concrete and builds out in oak barrels (one time used and 20% new oak). Here the wine ages for 12 months. This 2018 vintage mainly consists of Cabernet Sauvignon (50%) and Merlot (45%), these are supplemented with some Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

In the glass a deep dark red colour, followed by a powerful perfumed nose boosting primary notes of cherry, black currants and cedar wood. On the palette there is a good balance between the juiciness and powerful structure at an ABV of 14%. Although young and somewhat stubborn the wine is well integrated with elegance shining through the power. It is exactly that power and the secondary notes that close the show with a strong finale.

In summary: Well-made and surprisingly smooth and soft when compared to some of it Médoc brothers. Good value for money and a nice glass that pairs well with stronger (meat) dishes.

Zédé is part of this month’s VINVIN Favourite Box, and also available by the bottle. You can find it through this link.  Available in The Netherlands for €29,99 per individual bottle.

Price:                          €29,99

Taste date:                  October 2022

Score:                           93/100 DWA Score

Website:                      Château Labégorce