Chateau Croix de Labrie Saint Emilion Grand Cru 2022

From their jewel-box 3.79-hectare estate on the limestone plateau and côtes of Saint-Émilion, the team hand-harvests vine by vine, parcel by parcel, producing one of the smallest but most exacting Grand Crus in Bordeaux.

The blend in 2022 is dominated by Merlot, supported by Cabernet Franc and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon, all grown organically on limestone, clay-limestone, and fine gravels. In a warm, concentrated vintage, Croix de Labrie’s terroir delivered freshness and tension: low yields, tiny berries, and an intensity that translated directly into the glass. Fermentation is done in small stainless-steel and concrete vats; aging takes place in French oak barrels (80–100% new), tailored to each micro-parcel for precision and polish.

From the first swirl, the wine opens with the estate’s unmistakable signature: black cherry liqueur, cassis, rose petal, cocoa nib, warm baking spice, and a graphite-edged minerality that traces directly back to the limestone bedrock. The palate marries power and finesse—sumptuous fruit layered over ultra-fine tannins, all stretched across a long, confident finish that makes clear how well this wine will age.

And the critics were unequivocal:

99 Points – James Suckling
“This is a fabulous young wine with depth, finesse, and polish. Long and intense. One of the best I have had from here.”

97 Points – Jeb Dunnuck
“Stunning purity and precision… rich yet brilliantly balanced, with fine tannins and remarkable length.”

For such a small Grand Cru—an estate where each vine is practically known by name—this level of critical enthusiasm is extraordinary. The 2022 vintage cements Croix de Labrie as one of the most compelling and expressive voices in modern Saint-Émilion.

With a decant, it already offers a cascade of fruit, florals, spice, and mineral tension. Over the next 10–20 years, it will gain nuance and depth, revealing the full architectural beauty of its terroir. For collectors seeking a rising-star estate with top-tier acclaim—without the grand-château price tag—2022 Croix de Labrie is one of the smartest buys of the vintage.