About this winery

Castel Frères is the historic wine trading business created by Pierre Castel with his brothers and sisters in 1949. Over time, we have created a comprehensive range including not only brand leaders and successful innovations, but also châteaux wineries and grand cru wines. Third largest in the world market, Castel Frères is today "the most important place for French wine in the world" for professionals and consumers worldwide.

See the Castel Frères detail page for more information on this brand

Product notes

For over a decade, the team at Château Montlabert has been diligently and passionately crafting the personality and style of wines inspired by balance and elegance. La Croix de Montlabert is the property's second wine. It is crafted from a parcel acquired in 2017, comprising eight hectares in the commune of Saint Christophe des Bardes. This terroir features clay-limestone soils and subsoils particularly conducive to expressing the qualities of Cabernet Franc.

Production notes

Despite the challenges faced during the 2020 vintage, La Croix de Montlabert managed to make the most of the varied climatic conditions. The 2020 vintage started with an unusually mild winter, followed by a rainy spring that created intense pressure from diseases, especially mildew, making the situation even more challenging during the lockdown period. However, the months of May and June were marked by two dry and warm months, allowing for favorable flowering and veraison.

Tasting notes

This Grand Cru Classé of Saint-Émilion is the result of a meticulous blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, which contributes to a well-balanced tannic structure, combining mineral notes with fleshy and delicate red fruit flavors, it stands out with a beautiful quality of structure and fruity aromas, elegant tannic balance, and silky texture.