As most vintages of this small garagiste estate tend to be, the 2005 Croix de Labrie is truly sumptuous stuff. Made from 100% Merlot (only 300 cases produced), it possesses an inky/purple color to the rim as well as a nose that smells like blueberry and blackberry ice cream infused with floral, wood, and espresso scents. Superb intensity and purity as well as an exotic, ostentatious personality are impossible to resist. Not a classic claret, it is the antithesis of the aristocratic, noble Medocs, but what a ride it provides. Enjoy it over the next 10-15 years.