2015 Camille de Labrie Bordeaux 750 ml

Produced by Saint-Émilion Grand Cru estate Croix de Labrie, this is a serious value red, full of generous fruit and cedar spice—a perfect every-day Bordeaux sipper. One of the last true garagiste properties in Saint-Émilion, the winemaking is guided by Michel Rolland (Harlan Estate, Valandraud, Ch. Angélus), with grapes farmed by owners Axelle and Pierre Courdurié, from 5 acres of coveted Right Bank terroir. The wine is made in the 17th-century cellar below their home, a literal stone’s throw from Wine Access client favorite Clos Dubreuil. However, it’s the kind of under-$20 red we open without hesitation and drink without overthinking—beautifully floral, vivacious, juicy and delicious, and sometimes even better the next day. The critically acclaimed Grand Cuvée of the property regularly garners 92-96 points, but with more of a special occasion price tag. 

Axelle and Pierre Cordurié produce what Robert Parker calls the “quintessential St. Émilion garagiste wine” on the Right Bank of Bordeaux: They own a tiny 5-acre property that is a 2-minute leisurely stroll from Robert Parker’s “over-achieving” Clos Dubreuil estate, and they make wine with attention to the tiniest details, even working with horses in their tightly-planted vineyards. Guided by the superstar consultant Michel Rolland (Harlan Estate, Valandraud, Ch. Angélus), it’s no surprise that the flagship wines from Croix de Labrie have collected critical scores in the high nineties. 

However, we are equally impressed with what the Corduriés have done with their entire lineup, especially the affordable Camille de Labrie. Steeped in the traditions of Bordeaux’s Right Bank, the couple’s expertise and meticulousness are apparent in all of their wines, making this the unbelievable value it is.  

Parker’s Wine Advocate pinned a 95-point score on the 2015 vintage, which by all accounts is a stellar season that lifted wines of all price-points to fantastic quality. So we tell our friends: Yes, on special occasions, we love to open a wine like Clos Dubreuil Saint-Émilion Grand Cru ($129, 95-points), but on an average night, the bottle we uncork—if there isn’t already one open—is  often a Camille de Labrie.