2017 Croix de Labrie

The 2017 Croix de Labrie has turned out beautifully. Rich and ample on the palate, the 2017 possesses notable depth and textural resonance from start to finish. Red cherry, raspberry jam, pomegranate, dried herbs, tobacco, incense and blood orange all meld together in a rich, creamy Saint-Émilion loaded with personality. This is such a gorgeous wine. Tasted two times.

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Croix de Labrie has a pronounced nose of warm plums, blackberry compote and baked black cherries with hints of licorice, dark chocolate, black olives and cedar chest. The medium to full-bodied wine features an impressive concentration with a firm frame of grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and layered. Ambitious wine that should age well!

The 2017 Croix de Labrie has an impressive bouquet, one of their best that I have encountered at this stage, with vibrant raspberry and wild strawberry aromas laced with minerals. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity, fresh and precise and perhaps my only quibble being a lack of complexity on the finish. But otherwise this is a fine Saint-Émilion that should give a decade of drinking pleasure.