What a fabulous young wine from this tiny vineyard of four hectares. Aromas of black cherries, graphite, flint and brambleberries. Hints of fresh herbs such as bay leaves. The palate is medium-bodied, showing a fantastic depth of fruit and racy tannins. The purity and complexity are exceptional. A very minerally, vineyard-driven wine with an abundance of character and subtle power. 84% merlot, 10% cabernet sauvignon, and 6% cabernet franc. Best after 2029 but hard to resist.

Deep purple-hued, the 2022 Château Croix De Labrie is based on 84% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 6% Cabernet Franc that's from a handful of sites of mostly cooler limestone soils. Cassis, violets, darker chocolate, graphite, and spicy oak all emerge from this pure, concentrated, beautifully balanced and full-bodied 2022. It’s relatively inward and tight at the moment, yet it still blossoms with air and has so much to love. I would hide bottles for 4-6 years, and it should cruise over the following two decades.

Bottled black cherry liqueur is what you find here. There is a depth of flavor, seductive textures, chocolate, espresso, spice box and an array of sexy fruits that keep on going in the long finish. Hedonistic in style, if opulence is what you are looking for, your search is over. You can enjoy this young, or age it for more complexity, This is my favorite vintage ever produced here. The wine blends 84% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 6% Cabernet Franc. This is the first vintage with this much Cabernet in the blend, which added to the freshness in the mid-palate, and finish. More Cab in the future could be a good thing. Drink from 2026-2050.

RIpe fruit and gorgeous floral scents on the nose with some milk chocolate and vanilla. Smooth and sappy with great energy from the get go - the texture is so captivating. Full of high acidity and crisp cranberry and strawberry fruit, this is all about the freshness and zing. Detailed with tannins that softly caress the palate leaving a salty, wet stone grip on the finish. Accents of mint, liquorice and clove dot the palate giving edges to the frame and adding layers of complexity to the flavour spectrum. Delicious, mouthwatering and easy to like with a restrained touch. Newly classified as of 2022.

The 2022 Croix de Labrie is impeccable. Bright, floral and vibrant in the glass, Croix de Labrie is very nicely balanced. Medium in body and silky, the 2022 impresses with its freshness and energy, qualities that are especially present these days. Red cherry fruit, blood orange, chalk, mint and white pepper extend the finish. -- Antonio Galloni

Powerfully vibrant in colour and character, clear Cabernet Franc imprint with its fragrant raspberry leaf and violet aromatics. Ripe berry fruits delivered with finesse, given added succulence and juice by mandarin peel, orange marmalade, lemongrass and slate. This is quality with a limestone fingerprint. First year Grand Cru Classé. 3.44ph, 35hl/h yield, 80% barrels (70% new oak), 20% large sized casks, certified organic and biodynamic.

The grand vin from Axelle and Pierre Courdurié, certified organic, this opens with a dark, focused and gently scented character on the nose, with dried cranberry, cherry and blackcurrant notes, with violets and roses on the side. There is a sense of peppery spice to it as well, which also comes across on the palate, which feels relaxed, juicy and plump, with scented summer fruits layered with toast, peppercorn, liquorice and dark chocolate. There is good structure here too, the tannins firm and tight, and hiding well beneath the perfumed fruit. A strong effort from this estate. The alcohol on the label is 14.5%.

Fleshy and forward in feel, with melted red licorice coating a core of blackberry and plum compote notes. The finish is toasty, but there's ample fruit, along with a sparkle of savory for energy. For the hedonist crowd. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2026 through 2036. - JM