2019 Croix de Labrie
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Tasting notes
The nose is magnificent, with such a broad array of fruits and spice aromas that have such clarity and perfume, high quality oak tones and lifted perfumed spice all swirl from the glass. Fantastic colour, incredible fruit definition. It is opulent, rich and powerful, whilst the tannins remain succulent providing freshness on the palate. This is warming and full bodied heady St Emilion.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Decanter
More reviews and scores
This is really special and intense, showing incredible energy and brightness with perfumes that just jump out. Full body and incredible length. Changes all the time. So complex. Notes of iron, too. Love this. 97% merlot with cabernet sauvignon.
Croix de Labrie always delivers a wine that is bursting with fruit and certainly you have polish and glamour here, with things are smartly reined in on the finish. Excellent quality, gourmet and velvety but not overdoing anything with tons of plump damson and black cherry. A yield of 25hl/ha (after selection, it was 30hl/ha at harvest), 100% new oak. Harvest September 20 to October 2, vinified in stainless steel vats and 500l oak barrels.
Composed of 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon with a potential of 14.5% alcohol and aging in 100% new French oak barrels, the 2019 Croix de Labrie has a very deep purple-black color. The nose opens with some very classy cedary notes, giving way to a profound core of baked plums, blackberry preserves and blueberry pie with touches of licorice, chargrilled meats, mocha and eucalyptus with a waft of red roses. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated, the palate has wonderful vibrancy for its weight, with a solid backbone of plush, ripe tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and fragrant. This chateau has been on a roll recently—I am more and more impressed every year.