2021 Château Croix de Labrie

The 2021 Croix de Labrie turned out well—better than I expected, actually. A burst of dark cherry, plum, incense, licorice, mocha, chocolate and new oak races across the palate. This has real depth, substance and character.

- Antonio Galloni (12/2023)

Lots of lush dark cherries, violets, and allspice followed by black ink, mint chocolate, and mocha. Full-bodied and very concentrated in the mid-palate with refreshing acidity and firm yet juicy tannins. A broad and energetic wine that is well-framed with focus. From organically grown grapes. It will age beautifully. Try after 2028. (07/2024)

Up there with the top wines of the vintage, the 2021 Château Croix De Labrie boasts an incredible, medium to full-bodied, concentrated style that brings more fruit, texture, and richness than just about every other wine. Cassis, spicy oak, tobacco leaf, and chocolaty notes all emerge from the glass, and it has terrific purity, a deep, layered mid-palate and mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish. I love it even today, yet I see no reason it shouldn't evolve gracefully for 15+ years if well stored. The blend is 90% Merlot and 5% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, raised in 60% new barrels. (04/2024)

The 2021 Croix de Labrie is organic. It has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and notes of warm plums and black cherries spill from the glass, leading to suggestions of lavender and clove oil, plus a touch of cardamom. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers plenty of juicy black fruits, with a soft texture and well-knit freshness, finishing fragrant. (04/2024)

Including 5% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc this year, the 2021 Croix de Labrie offers up aromas of dark berries, plums, red fruit compote, licorice and creamy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, rich and velvety, it's a lively, rather muscular wine with a fleshy core of fruit, tangy acids and powdery tannins. It attained almost 14% alcohol and will see maturation in 80% new oak.

- William Kelley (04/2022)