1 | Wine | Merlot, 86 or higher | Page 4

This wine was named #96 of Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2012.

"Plush and richly structured, but with a dense, structured core, offering aromas of red currant and toasty mocha that lead to complex flavors of black cherry and Asian spice. Loamy, ripe tannins sneak in on the finish."

"If you want to impress a friend with a pure, hedonistic St.-Emilion that also offers an intellectual challenge, the 2012 Croix de Labrie, a St.-Emilion fruit bomb, is the wine for you. Unfortunately, the 250-case production means this cuvee is limited in availability. Aromas of incense, Christmas fruitcake, Asian plum sauce, blackberries, licorice and truffles soar from the glass of this dense plum/purple-colored wine. Opulent, voluptuously textured and medium to full-bodied with no hard edges to be found, it will drink well for a decade after bottling." -Robert Paker

"Its dense plum/purple color is accompanied by an extraordinary perfume of charcoal, creme de cassis, melted licorice, espresso roast, and blackberries. The wine, which hits the palate with a dramatic minerality, comes across like a hypothetical blend of limestone liqueur intermixed with black and red fruits. With massive depth, richness, and body, this tannic 2003 should be forgotten for 4-5 years, then enjoyed over the next four decades. The integration of acidity, tannin, and wood is flawless, and the wine is incredibly pure, rich, and intense." Reviewed by Robert Parker, 98+ pts.

"Rich and complex, with a focused, full-bodied core of earth, currant, mineral, tar, cherry and spice, firming up on the finish. Wonderful depth and dimension that cellaring should reward."

"Ripe, generous, transparent and distinctive, balancing its rich cherry, orange peel, tea and sassafras flavors against refined tannins and an open texture, completing the circle with elegance."

"A delicious entry-level wine, the 2010 Merlot is rich, boisterous and loaded with fruit. Freshly cut flowers, sweet red berries, mint and spices all make an appearance in this flashy, exuberant red. The vibrancy of the vintage works to balance some of the wine’s natural overtness. Clean, saline notes add an attractive briskness to the finish. This is a gorgeous wine that makes a compelling case for Merlot-based wines in Napa Valley."

"The 1999 Merlot Three Palms Vineyard possesses a deep ruby/purple color as well as a striking perfume of black fruits and subtle floral, foresty, and new oak notes. It is full-bodied and rich, with well-integrated tannin, and a long finish."

"Shows seductive aromas of rich currant, with mocha and espresso bean oak. Deep, complex, intense and concentrated. The long, full, persistent finish has firm, ripe tannins and lays the fruit and oak out in spades."

"Always among the sexiest, most opulent and flamboyant wines of the vintage, Croix de Labrie’s 2011 offers stunningly ripe Merlot fruit in its luxurious, easily understood, irresistible personality. Lots of ripe fruit as well as a disarming style make for a wine to drink during its first decade of life. It’s a winner!" -Robert Parker

"Shows violet, cream, mineral, mint and blueberry on the nose. Full-bodied, with fabulous fruit and polished, velvety tannins. The finish lasts for minutes. The balance is wonderful. Deep and beautiful. Hard not to drink now."