2017 Château Croix de Labrie Saint Emilion

Around 400 cases made, depending on the vintage. Dense, hedonistic, and completely alive — blackberry, wild plum, violet, cocoa powder, five-spice, and iron-rich earth from ancient seabed soils cut through with bands of iron and limestone, with velvety tannins, a creamy mid-palate, and a finish that goes long and stays pure. The 2017 Château Croix de Labrie is certified organic and biodynamic Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc from 5.78 hectares on the Saint-Émilion plateau just east of Troplong Mondot and Pavie — Axelle Courdurie tending every vine herself, maximum six bunches per plant, hand-harvested, aged in French oak with minimal sulfur.