2005 Croix de Labrie

As most vintages of this small garagiste estate tend to be, the 2005 Croix de Labrie is truly sumptuous stuff. Made from 100% Merlot (only 300 cases produced), it possesses an inky/purple color to the rim as well as a nose that smells like blueberry and blackberry ice cream infused with floral, wood, and espresso scents. Superb intensity and purity as well as an exotic, ostentatious personality are impossible to resist. Not a classic claret, it is the antithesis of the aristocratic, noble Medocs, but what a ride it provides. Enjoy it over the next 10-15 years.

(just five barrels produced of this merlot cuvee, from a tiny parcel of old vines located near Valandraud in St. Sulpice) Saturated ruby. Explosive aromas of black cherry, tar, bitter chocolate and licorice. Deep, sweet and bright, with strong but integrated acidity giving terrific clarity to the dense blackberry flavor. Finishes very long, subtle and fresh, with fine tannins. A suave, classy wine that promises to be the best Croix de Labrie since the '98.