The 2018 Croix de Labrie is a blend is 90% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Cabernet Franc, aged in 100% new oak barrels for approximately 18 months. The wine has 14% alcohol. Deep garnet-purple colored, it needs a fair bit of swirling and coaxing to unlock notions of Black Forest cake, preserved plums and blackberry pie with suggestions of star anise, tilled soil, Indian spices and tobacco leaf. The medium to full-bodied palate has a sturdy structure of firm, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness supporting the muscular black fruits, finishing on a lingering fragrant earth note. Here's a beautifully expressed piece of Saint-Émilion turf on a clear upward trajectory!

The 2018 Croix de Labrie has really come together beautifully over the last two years. Inky and layered in the glass, the 2018 possesses striking depth and tons of character. Sweet floral and spice aromas lift a core of inky dark red fruit. Mocha, spice, lavender and blood orange appear later, adding further shades of complexity. A wine of tremendous harmony and class, Croix de Labrie is impressive, to say the least.

The 2018 Croix de Labrie has a very opulent and high-toned bouquet that shows some nail varnish aromas that are distracting. The palate is sweet and candied with a silky smooth texture and thankfully there is not volatility or worrying features here. Hopefully those nail varnish notes will disappear by the time of bottling.