Chateau La Croix Montlabert Saint-Emilion

Saint-Émilion is without doubt one of the greatest of all Bordeaux appellations. It is here that the Merlot grape, blended with Cabernet Franc, reaches its apex. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, the first area of vineyards to be recognized as such. Some of the most famous châteaux in the world are located here: Ausone, Angélus, Pavie, and Cheval Blanc to name a few. Yet, Saint-Émilion is also home to excellent values, delicious wines that express the fruit forward drinkability of Merlot combined with the complexity and intensity these blends can achieve. One of the best I've had recently is from a fabulous estate — tucked in between some of the best châteaux in the region — one that flies under the radar... for now: Château La Croix Montlabert, the second label of the Grand Cru Château Montlabert. This is truly, a Grand Cru on the rise. Michel Descazes Montlabert founded this picturesque château in the 1700's, when its original function was that of a hunting lodge. Château Montlabert, a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, lies on the "Route de Libourne" and is surrounded by illustrious neighbors: Châteaux Cheval Blanc, Clos des Jacobins and Figeac. The vineyards are planted to 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc on 13 hectares over sand with clay, gravel and limestone soils. The Castel family owns the estate, and since 2009 has invested significantly in elevating the status of the château to that of a world-class estate. In 2010, Hubert de Bouard of Château Angélus came on board as their consultant, and working with Ludovic and Maxime Hérault — the château's manager and cellar master — they have improved the precision in the vineyard and the meticulous attention to detail in the cellar. The results are outstanding.