2006 Croix de Labrie

Lovely walnuts and hazelnuts with dried flowers and berries. Medium body, silky tannins and a delicious finish. Shows finesse. Drink now.

Atypically opulent, flamboyant, and extravagantly rich for a 2006, this tiny garagiste operation has fashioned a gorgeously sexy 2006 boasting sweet creme de cassis notes intermixed with kirsch, coffee, and subtle smoked herb and toast characteristics in the background. Full-bodied, round, and delicious, it is impossible to resist, so enjoy it over the next 8-10 years. Great value.

Bright ruby-red. Blackberry, cassis, licorice and minerals on the nose, plus a hint of currant leaf. Suave, dense and rather fine-grained, with notes of black fruits, minerals, violet, dark chocolate and pepper. Finishes with an edge of acidity, but the tannins are dusty and broad and the wine seems unforced. The owner of this property added a parcel of old-vines merlot for the 2006 vintage.