| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > Lalande Pomerol |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
This 11 hectare property in Lalande de Pomerol, owned by the Durantou family since 2000, is situated 1 km from the famous plateau of Pomerol, and is visible from the back door of Eglise Clinet. Fruit from the younger vines is relegated to the La Chenade label. Les Cruzelles is often better than many Pomerols and Saint Emilions that we taste, yet far cheaper - thanks to the unfashionable appellation. Grapes are selected from the best terroirs of the vineyard - clay soils similar to those on the plateau of Pomerol. A wine that always reminds us of a top Pomerol. Recent vintages have been stunning and there have been impressive results in recent blind tastings including the "Southwold Group". Along with Roc de Cambes, this is, in our view, the best wine produced in a "satellite appellation" of Bordeaux. Pricing policy is moderate. We absolutely love Les Cruzelles and thousands of Farr Vintners' customers have enjoyed drinking it over the last twenty years.
More power and generosity than La Chenade, a clear difference in the vintage, with beautifully sculpted bitter almond and frangipane, tobacco, liqourice and black cherry. This is a Lalande-de-Pomerol with true character, starts off pretty austere and then widens through the mid palate and delivers creamy blue fruit. 50% new oak, harvest September 10 to 16. 3.72ph, 38hl/ha yield. Noemie Durantou winemaker alongside Olivier Gautrat.
The 2020 Les Cruzelles is very composed, delineated and focused on the nose, with fresh black fruit, forest floor and light black mushroom scents. The oak is very nicely integrated. The palate is medium-bodied, fleshy and caressing at the mouth, with pliant tannins, plump red fruit and a sweet but not cloying finish. It's quite delicious and reflects the growing season. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. 2026 - 2037
Fresh, delicate and lively, the 2020 Les Cruzelles impresses with its freshness and aromas of cassis, blueberry, spring flowers and iris. This is a fresh and fruity wine with gastronomic appeal that is enveloping and full-bodied on the palate with a savory finish. The 2020 is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc.
Black earth and clay with dark-berry and violet character. It’s medium-to full- bodied with creamy tannins and a fresh finish. More opulent than the 2019.
Composed of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the 2020 Les Cruzelles is deep garnet-purple in color. It bursts with notes of plum preserves, blueberry pie, and blackberry preserves with suggestions of Chinese five spice and chocolate box. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers a sold backbone of firm, grainy tannins with bright acidity and vibrant fruit, finishing with a skip in its step.
Harvested between 10th and 16th September, the 2020 is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc and will be aged in 50% new oak. 1500 cases will be made. 14.5% abv. Deep ruby in the glass. The nose has incredible purity and delineation of red cherry and plum fruit. There are hints of toasted spices and an intriguing peppery note. The palate is ripe with cherry fruit but there is an undercurrent of graphite and pepper that makes this both fleshy and elegant at the same time. The tannins are plentiful but fine and ripe, making for an almost seamless texture. Cruzelles is a firm favourite here, and with its persistent, vibrant finish, the 2020 should prove to be one of the value picks in Bordeaux once again.
80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc. Cask sample.
Aromatic nose and palate with lifted red-berry notes. Lively, juicy and smooth, the tannins tempered and fine. Some persistence but a touch dry on the finish. Joyful and balanced but probably for earlier drinking. (JL) 14.5%
Drink 2025 – 2032
(80% M, 20% CF; 14.5% ABV; 50% new)
A seductive nose of freshly truffle-tinged fruit; rich, lively, moderately tannic; long, warm, ripe, and juicy to taste, the tannin still slightly dry-edged, but with exceptional length. Also very good, this is a slightly more sinewy expression of Lalande de Pomerol, with more gravelly clay in the vineyard, as distinct from the sandy gravel of La Chenade 2026–38+.
The 2020 Les Cruzelles has dispensed with some of its ostentation that I commented upon from barrel. This has become more "serious" with dark cherries, cassis and light violet scents. The menthol element has ebbed away during its time in barrel. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins. Wonderful purity, sleek and intense with veins of blue fruit towards the very satisfying and silky smooth finish. This has upped its game and represents one of the finest Les Cruzelles in recent years. 2025-2040
The 2020 Les Cruzelles offers plenty of brambly red fruit on the nose, where touches of undergrowth, menthol and cassis unfold with time. Compared to the La Chenade, there is a little more showiness here. The palate is medium-bodied with superb acidity that cuts through the graphite-tinged black fruit. Displaying wonderful focus and energy from start to finish, this is a classy Lalande de Pomerol that should give 12–15 years of drinking pleasure. Superb. 2024 - 2038
The 2020 Les Cruzelles is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, coming from gravelly clay soil. The Merlot was picked from the 10th to the 15th September, and the Cabernet Franc was picked on the 16th of September. It has an alcohol of 14.5% and is aging in French oak barrels, 50% new. Deep garnet-purple in color, it bursts with impactful notes of plum preserves, blueberry compote and kirsch, plus suggestions of violets, mocha and pencil lead. The medium to full-bodied palate explodes with vibrant black fruits and fantastic freshness, framed by ripe, velvety tannins, finishing long and fragrant. 18,000 bottles are expected to be made. Drink 2024-2039.
Stands out from La Chenade in the vintage, with its velvet texture and a more serious sculpted feel overall. Tobacco and liquorice notes besides black cherry and raspberry fruits, good tension, serious but with Lalande-de-Pomerol unfussy appeal. 3.72pH. A yield of 38hl/ha.
Drinking Window 2023 - 2034
