2022 Chateau Croix de Labrie Saint Emilion Grand Cru
Quick Description
- #25 Top 100 French Wines of 2025 by James Suckling
- "Hard to Resist" ~99 James Suckling
- "Pure, Concentrated, Beautifully Balanced" ~97 JD
- "A Beautiful Vintage" ~95-98 WS
- Near Icons Like Château Pavie and Valandraud
- Free Shipping on 12 or More Bottles
2022 Chateau Croix de Labrie Saint Emilion Grand Cru
- #25 Top 100 French Wines of 2025 by James Suckling
- "Hard to Resist" ~99 James Suckling
- "Pure, Concentrated, Beautifully Balanced" ~97 JD
- "A Beautiful Vintage" ~95-98 WS
- Near Icons Like Château Pavie and Valandraud
- Free Shipping on 12 or More Bottles
About the Wine
Small but mighty, Château Croix de Labrie is one of the tiniest Grand Cru estates in Saint-Émilion, and it’s making big waves. Born in 1991 with just 2 hectares of vines, it has grown into an elite property thanks to its current owners, Axelle and Pierre Courdurie, who took over in 2013. And while the 2013 vintage was a disaster, the Courduries have turned things around, creating some of the most exciting wines on the Right Bank.
With 5.9 hectares of prime vineyard land—planted mostly to Merlot—this wine packs a punch. The vines are old (some over 100 years old!), grown in limestone and clay soils that contribute to the wine’s richness. And if you want top-notch terroir, they’ve got it. Located near icons like Château Pavie and Valandraud, it’s the perfect spot for producing world-class wine.
This isn’t just any wine, though. About 20% is made using micro-vinification in 500-liter French oak barrels, while the rest is aged in stainless steel. The result? A rich, complex wine with a touch of oak and a velvet-smooth mouthfeel. And with just 2,000 cases produced, this wine is exclusive and rare.
Expect bold dark fruit, soft tannins, and that unmistakable Saint-Émilion earthiness. It’s a wine to drink now or cellar for years to come. But don’t wait too long—this wine sells out fast. So, grab yours before it’s gone.
Ranked #25 in James Suckling’s Top 100 French Wines of 2025, this bottle isn’t just acclaimed—it’s a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts. A rare chance to own a wine already recognized among the very best in France.
Critics have praised the 2022 Croix de Labrie for its exceptional purity, complexity, and vibrancy, making it a standout in the Saint-Émilion lineup. While it is approachable in its youth, it has the potential for further development, with many recommending a few years of cellaring before enjoying its full potential.
Aging: 18-24 months in French oak barrels
Tasting Notes
84% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc. Expect a vibrant yet mineral-driven expression of Saint-Émilion: fresh, energetic, and impeccably balanced. The 84% Merlot base delivers a symphony of black cherries, brambleberries, and graphite, complemented by subtle hints of bay leaves and spice. The palate is medium-bodied, offering a blend of cool blue fruits, plums, and dark chocolate, with a touch of mint and chalk.
Critical Reviews
~ #25 Top 100 French Wines of 2025 by James Suckling
~ #55 Top 100 Wines of 2025 by James Suckling
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. ~99 James Suckling
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. ~97 Jeb Dunnuck
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. ~95 Vinous Media
Blue fruits, vanilla, dark chocolate, and plums on the nose. Vibrant and lively on the palate, smooth and really deliciously textured - not too heavy or too light, density is there in the fruit concentration, but the balance of acidity and fine tannins is nicely supportive. Cool blue fruits are at the fore as well as tangy strawberries and raspberries, a sense of fun and ease about this with bite and tang to the fine but grippy tannins. Nicely detailed, you feel the edges here and the shape of the wine which has tension and focus. Not so demonstrably layered but generous and easy to enjoy with lovely mouthwatering acidity that is really appealing. Balanced and supremely finessed with a long length and fine tannins. Tasted twice and much preferred the second time. ~95 Decanter
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. 1,500 cases made, 500 cases imported. ~91 Wine Spectator
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Food Pairing
Beef
Grilled Meat
Grilled
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