Château Croix de Labrie 2020

Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux – Organic & Vegan Red Wine, Elm Wood Gift Box

The grand vin of one of Saint-Émilion's legendary "garage wine" estates, from an outstanding Bordeaux vintage. Tiny production, old vines and organic, biodynamic farming make this a gift for someone who truly loves wine. It comes in a solid elm wood box with a gold lining, ready to give, with no wrapping needed.

The Garage Wine Story

In the 1990s a handful of tiny Saint-Émilion estates shook up Bordeaux. With only a few hectares of vines, they made wines in such small quantities that they could almost be made in a garage, and the critics nicknamed them vins de garage. Château Croix de Labrie was one of them. It began around 1990 as a little "garden vineyard" of about two hectares, and was made famous by Michel and Ghislaine Puzio-Lesage, who also ran the wine shop in the village.

A New Chapter

In 2013 the estate passed to Axelle and Pierre Courdurié, with Axelle as winemaker. Their first vintage was so difficult that they made just four barrels. They stuck with it, built new cellars where the wine moves gently by gravity, and turned the vineyards over to organic and biodynamic farming. The estate was certified organic in 2021.

Old Vines, Great Neighbours

The vines average around 50 years old, and some of the Cabernet Sauvignon is more than a century old. Parcels sit on limestone near Château Pavie and on deep clay near Valandraud, two of Saint-Émilion's most famous names. Yields are kept very low, the grapes are picked by hand, and each plot is made separately before around 18 months in barrel.

Tasting Notes

• Grapes: Mostly Merlot, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc
• Appearance: Deep, near-opaque colour
• Nose and palate: Chocolate, black cherry, blueberry, espresso and liquorice
• Structure: Lush and polished, held in shape by firm tannins and real freshness
• Critics: James Suckling 98–99 points; Jeff Leve 96 points
• Ageing: Drinking well now and will keep improving until around 2045

Food Pairing

• Slow-cooked roasts of beef or lamb
• Venison and game
• Wild mushroom, truffle or chestnut dishes for a vegan pairing
• Aged hard cheeses

The Gift Box

Solid elm wood with a gold lining, holding one 75cl bottle. A keepsake long after the wine is gone. Ideal for:

• Christmas and New Year
• Milestone birthdays, anniversaries and retirements
• Top clients and corporate thank-yous
• Bordeaux collectors and serious wine lovers

Wine Specification

Delivery

We deliver across the UK, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, usually in 2 to 4 days. Free delivery on orders over £100. Every order is packed plastic-free. Ordering several boxes for clients or staff? Call 028 7962 8736 or email info@absoluteorganicwine.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a "garage wine"?
A nickname for the tiny, hand-crafted Saint-Émilion estates of the 1990s that made top wines in very small quantities. Château Croix de Labrie is one of the best known.

How is this different from Chapelle de Labrie?
Château Croix de Labrie is the estate's flagship wine, from its oldest vines on limestone and clay. Chapelle de Labrie is its second Grand Cru.

Is 2020 a good vintage?
Yes. 2020 is one of the great recent Bordeaux vintages, and critics have scored this wine very highly.

Is this wine organic and vegan?
Yes. The estate is certified organic and farms biodynamically, and the wine is vegan.

Should I drink it now or keep it?
It is drinking well now, especially after decanting, and will keep improving until around 2045.

Do you deliver to Ireland?
Yes. We deliver across the UK, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, usually in 2 to 4 days.