The 2018 Croix de Labrie is a blend is 90% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Cabernet Franc, aged in 100% new oak barrels for approximately 18 months. The wine has 14% alcohol. Deep garnet-purple colored, it needs a fair bit of swirling and coaxing to unlock notions of Black Forest cake, preserved plums and blackberry pie with suggestions of star anise, tilled soil, Indian spices and tobacco leaf. The medium to full-bodied palate has a sturdy structure of firm, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness supporting the muscular black fruits, finishing on a lingering fragrant earth note. Here's a beautifully expressed piece of Saint-Émilion turf on a clear upward trajectory!

A rich, powerful red with so much fruit and intensity. It’s full-bodied with masses of fruit with vanilla and coffee character and a long, warm finish. Layered and intense. Really needs time in the bottle to come together. Better after 2025.

Cask sample. A leathery nose with some sleek sweet dark fruit. The tannins are abundant and firm and need time to tame, the oak is a little present at the moment (at least on this sample) but the fruit is generous and there is enough acidity to support the hefty framework. (AC)

This broad-ranging nose is very ripe though not roasted or jammy with its cassis, black cherry, raspberry, spice and earth scents. The highly seductive velvet-texture flavors possess better depth on the rustic, powerful and serious finish. This mildly warm effort should reward extended cellaring.

Outstanding Top value