2016 Croix de Labrie

The top wine is the 2016 Château Croix de Labrie, a blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon that was raised all in new barrels. It offers additional richness and depth, with awesome notes of crème de cassis, spicy oak, licorice, and some chocolate all emerging from the glass. Medium to full-bodied and nicely textured, with ripe tannins, it’s going to benefit from short-term cellaring and see its 20th birthday in fine form.

The 2016 Croix de Labrie has a lovely, pure, generous bouquet of black cherries, cassis and light violet aromas that maintain admirable control and focus. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannin, good structure and a superb line of acidity. This is one of the best wines I have tasted from Croix de Labrie. Excellent.

This shows so much violet and dark-berry character on the nose. So enticing. Full-bodied with chewy and polished tannins, blackberries and eucalyptus and a light, menthol note to finish. A rich yet touching wine. Try after 2023.