2016 Croix de Labrie
Buying options
Tasting notes
The depth and richness here are impressive, yet this remains vivid and brilliant. Medium to full body, soft and silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Energetic. One hectare of almost all merlot with a touch of cabernet sauvignon. Mar 2017, www.jamessuckling.com
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Wine Spectator
More reviews and scores
Has a mix of singed cedar and vanilla flavors along with cherry coulis and damson plum notes. Modest weight overall. Apr 2017, James Molesworth, www.winespectator.com
The 2016 Croix de Labrie comes from vines down the slope from Pavie on clay and chalk soils, plus a vein of shale. It is a blend of 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon that is 100 years old, from 2.5 hectares in total. One-fifth of the crop is fermented in 500-litrr barrels. It is 14.39% alcohol and with an IPT of 71. It is matured in 100% new oak (500-liter barrels). It has a simple bouquet with pretty black fruit, touches of pressed flowers, just a hint of vanilla. The palate is medium-bodied with a light grip on the entry, tobacco-tinged black fruit. There is a good level of acidity here, quite structured but with a slightly abrupt finish. It should flesh out a little during its barrel maturation and it actually improved when I returned to the glass after 40 minutes. Apr 2017, www.robertparker.com, Drink: 2021-2038
Axelle and Pierre Courdurié have been owners here for the past three years, changing the philosophy of what was a former garagiste wine. This is one of the best terroirs in Vigonnet, with a gravel layer over the sand. The wine is tight and full as you would expect from 100% Merlot. A sexy, powerful wine showing a touch of sweet and fleshy blackberry fruit, which is attractively measured out. Apr 2017, www.decanter.com, Drink: 2025-2040