As soon as they had taken over the estate in 2012, Axelle and Pierre Courdurié were immediately convinced of the potential of this mosaic of plots in the middle of the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation area. This is where they could finally fulfil their passion for wine. And change their lives.
When they met in 1994 in Washington state, Axelle was winemaker at the Columbia Winery, while Pierre was working in wine distribution. When she returned to Bordeaux, Axelle thought that her great experience plus fluent English would be more than enough to pursue her career. Unluckily for her, Bordeaux in the 90’s did not welcome women into wine, whatever their field of expertise.
She changed her plans and developed her career in a major French group specialising in building materials It was hectic, but flavourless, so she quit, when the desire to roll up her sleeves and get to work on a project closer to her aspirations became an absolute necessity.
The tiny plots of Château Croix de Labrie total an area of 3.5 hectares (8.7 acres) in the middle of the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation area. Rational cultivation techniques are applied in tending the vines, whose fruit produces three great wines.
Château Croix de Labrie Saint-Émilion Grand Cru is the jewel of the estate and is made from grapes coming from the Badon plots, alongside Château Pavie and from the top of Saint-Christophe des Bardes, just beside the cellars that date back to 1687. This is a Merlot varietal like the best of the crus classés. Château Croix de Labrie is a Grand Cru and is one of that select family, perhaps the best of the small estates — very exclusive and rare.
Notes and Reviews
James Suckling (97-98)
This is really special and intense, showing incredible energy and brightness with perfumes that just jump out. Full body and incredible length. Changes all the time. So complex. Notes of iron, too. Love this. 97% merlot with cabernet sauvignon.
Neil Martin (92-94)
The 2019 Croix de Labrie offers upfront black cherries, blackcurrant and cedar aromas on the nose, quite intense but well defined. The oak here is neatly assimilated. The palate is vibrant on the entry with layers of creamy black and blue fruit, silky smooth in texture with a modicum of restraint on the finish. It's one of the best wines that I have tasted from this Saint-Émilion Grand Cru in recent years.