Chateau Croix de Labrie Saint-Emilion 2018 750 ML

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-emilion turf on a clear upward trajectory!