Saint Émilion Grand Cru Classé château with 4.5 hectares, low yields, drastic selection, and high Cabernet Sauvignon content.
The producer
Château La Croizille is a Saint Émilion Grand Cru Classé château in Saint Laurent des Combes. Its production uses low yields from old vines, drastic selection, and an unusually high Cabernet Sauvignon proportion for the appellation. Grapes are sorted by hand and optically, moved to vats by gravity, fermented in small temperature controlled vats, and aged in French oak. The château has modern architecture and technical facilities, while neighbouring Château Tour Baladoz has a traditional winery and can also be visited.
Known for
Cabernet Sauvignon led Saint Émilion
Notable facts
Château La Croizille holds Saint Émilion Grand Cru Classé status.
The vineyard comprises 4.5 hectares.
The stated production philosophy uses at least 30 percent Cabernet Sauvignon.
Élevage lasts eighteen to twenty four months in French oak.
The story
Natalie MacLean's Review
In 2010, Natalie MacLean reviewed Château La Croizille Saint Émilion Grand Cru and gave it 92 out of 100. She described a half Cabernet Sauvignon and half Merlot blend with black cherry liqueur, cassis, red currant, silky texture, fresh acidity, and integrated toasty oak spice. She recommended the bottle with roast rack of lamb or filet mignon and placed it in a drinking window through 2035.
From the atlas
Château La Croizille
A Saint Émilion Grand Cru Classé château in Bordeaux, with modern facilities, low yields, and a Cabernet Sauvignon led production philosophy.
At A Glance
Field
Fact
Classification
Saint Émilion Grand Cru Classé
Address
810, route du Tertre in Saint Laurent des Combes, Saint Émilion
Vineyard
4.5 hectares
Signature wine
Château La Croizille Saint Émilion Grand Cru
Defining feature
Low yields from old vines, drastic selection, and an unusually high Cabernet Sauvignon proportion
The Producer
Château La Croizille has modern architecture and technical facilities. It holds Saint Émilion Grand Cru Classé status and follows a production philosophy built around low yields from the oldest vines, drastic selection, and at least 30 percent Cabernet Sauvignon. That proportion is unusual for the appellation. The château produces red Saint Émilion wine from a compact vineyard and gives Cabernet Sauvignon an unusually large role for the area.
Place
Château La Croizille stands at 810, route du Tertre, formerly lieu dit Baladoz, in Saint Laurent des Combes, Saint Émilion. Its neighbour, Château Tour Baladoz, has a traditional winery and can also be visited. La Croizille's modern architecture contrasts with Tour Baladoz's traditional winery.
Vineyards And Cellar
The vineyard work begins with low yields from the oldest vines and drastic selection. After double sorting by hand and optical sorting, grapes travel to the vats by gravity, preserving purity. Small temperature controlled vats allow each terroir to be monitored precisely during vinification. French oak barrels are selected for fine grain and a toasting level suited to the vintage. Élevage lasts eighteen to twenty four months, during which the wine rounds out and gains depth.
Wines
The named bottles include Château La Croizille Grand Cru 2005 and Château La Croizille 2001, both red Saint Émilion wines. The two bottles are identified by vintage, while the documented 2010 wine was a half Cabernet Sauvignon and half Merlot blend. The range therefore includes vintage variation in both bottle naming and grape proportions.
In The Glass
Château La Croizille shows an inky colour and a black fruit nose with toasty overtones. The palate is rich and complex, with great substance, smooth tannin, and intense flavours. The toast comes through as an integrated aromatic note, while the tannin gives the wine a rounded, graceful feel.
A Bottle To Understand It
Château La Croizille 2025 is the first bottle to open. Espresso, cocoa, black plums, cherries, and licorice run through the nose and palate, followed by a supple creamy finish and chalky mineral tannins. It can be enjoyed young or aged for more complexity through 2042.
Anecdote
In 2010, Natalie MacLean reviewed Château La Croizille Saint Émilion Grand Cru and gave it 92 out of 100. She paired the bottle with roast rack of lamb or filet mignon, then placed its drinking window through 2035.
Final Word
Château La Croizille is a classified Saint Émilion red château with modern facilities, low yields from old vines, and a Cabernet Sauvignon proportion set unusually high for the appellation.