Les Hauts de Croix de Labrie

Product Description

The plots of Hauts de Croix de Labrie are located in the part of the estate that is the closest to Libourne.  This wine is made from fruit from the younger vines.   

Region/Terroir:  Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

Grapes:  85% Merlot 15% Cabernet Franc

Soil: Here the soils are lighter with stony sand and produce more ethereal wines.

Alcohol: 13,5% VOL

Wine making:  Average age of the vineyard is 25 years. The fruit is picked by hand and carried in wooden crates. Pickers go down each row several times. The fruit is manipulated using gravity only and is vinified in small tanks. Temperatures are fully controlled. After de-stemming, the fruit is screened on a vibrating sorting table, then sorted manually. Vinification : The fruit is vinified plot by plot. Different temperature levels are adhered to, but never higher than 26° C (79° F). The cap is punched down manually. Ageing in barrels : Half in new barrels, half in one-year-old barrels for about 14 months. Maximum annual production : 12 000 bottles

Cellaring potential:  It can be kept for 10 years or more, but is very expressive when young. 

Our Tasting notes:  Deep purple/black  colour. It has red fruit and spicy aromas, and subtle, elegant tannins that are ripe and tasty. Merlot brings roundness, elegance and plum flavours whilst Cabernet Franc brings white spices, casssis and a superb freshness.

Food match: red meats, poutry, duck confit, cheese.

Reviews:

Wine Spectator 87 points

Wine Enthusiast 87 points

"Young vines have gone into this fruity wine. It is full and rich in the mouth, with juicy black currant fruits and smoky tannins. The attractive perfume from Cabernet Franc moves easily into final acidity. Drink from 2017."