Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 29/02/2012
Always one of Bordeaux’s most endearing and charming wines, Croix de Labrie’s wines generally offer an unctuous texture as well as enormous quantities of fruit. Made from 100% Merlot, the 2009 (about 300 cases produced) exhibits smoky black currant and raspberry liqueur notes intermixed with notions of licorice, graphite and wood smoke. Intense and unctuously textured with low acidity as well as sweet tannin, it is a hedonistic St.-Emilion fruit bomb to enjoy in its first 12-15 years of life. Sadly, it is virtually impossible to find this head-turning claret.

It’s too bad there are only 300 or so cases of this wine, made from 100% Merlot. I just had a bottle of the 2000, which was an off-the-chart, awesome wine with sumptuous texture. The 2009 strikes me as a worthy competitor to their brilliant 2005. Almost tasting like blackberry or blueberry ice cream with a hint of raspberry syrup on top, this opaque ruby/purple wine is pure and totally seductive. The 2009 offers more glycerin, power, and alcoholic potency, but the sweet tannins, the velvety texture, the beautiful purity are all there to admire and consume. It should drink well for 10-15 years. (92-95)

A linear and tight red with dark-berry and chocolate character. Full body, firm and silky tannins and a bright, ripe-fruit finish. Yet, it’s always in finesse. Drink now.