Region | |
---|---|
Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > Lalande Pomerol |
Colour | Red |
Type | Still |
The Lalande de Pomerol base of top-flight winemaker Denis Durantou, the 2011 Les Cruzelles is composed of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. A gorgeously complex, seductive effort, it possesses a dark cherry/plum color, expressive, fragrant notes of cedarwood, Asian spices, black cherry jam and caramel. This medium-bodied, flavorful, seductive sleeper of the vintage will have few detractors. Drink this beauty over the next 5-6 years.
This builds on that palate with pretty blueberry and chocolate character. Medium to full body. Fine tannins. 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. New addition of Cabernet Franc.
The Cruzelles is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc picked between the 5th and 12th September and 19th September respectively. It is being aged in 50% new oak. It has a fresh, sorbet-like bouquet with pure mineral-rich dark red fruit that maintains impressive linearity. The palate is medium-bodied with a crisp, charcoal tinged entry. It has very well integrated oak, the finish very clean and precise with that focus and linearity never wavering from start 'til finish. Very fine, though it will need 3-4 years in bottle. Tasted April 2012.
A wine that isn't afraid to look to the long term, this is a blend that will develop in bottle. Lovely oak integration, a touch of ginger spice on the nose and firm, yet well-integrated tannins complemented by dense blackberry and tangerine fruit. A very classy wine that is liked to be offered at a price that most of us can afford. 10+ years.