Château Croix de Labrie Saint-Émilion 1999

From a 1.5-hectare parcel of low-cropped merlot; production in ’99 was further reduced by a radical saignee. Black-ruby color. Sappy, superripe aromas of black cherry, black raspberry, bitter chocolate and espresso, plus a suggestion of game. Sweet, silky and thick, with sappy cherry and black raspberry flavors and a suggestion of surmaturite. Finishes with big but ripe tannins that coat the teeth and palate. Perhaps not quite as structured as the superb ’98, but a wine with terrific potential. Score – 89-92. (Stephen Tanzer, vinous.com, May 2000)