| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > Lalande Pomerol |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
This 11 hectare property in Lalande de Pomerol is situated 1 km from the famous plateau of Pomerol, and is visible from the back door of Eglise Clinet. The Château was purchased in 2000 by Denis Durantou who ages the crop in 50% new oak and relegates fruit from the younger vines to his La Chenade label. Often better than many Pomerols and Saint Emilions that we taste, yet far cheaper thanks to the unfashionable appellation. 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. 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 "satelite appellation" of Bordeaux. Pricing policy is moderate. We absolutely love Les Cruzelles!
Super-ripe dark cherry, blackberry, chocolate, spice, new leather and licorice are some of the many notes that run through the 2017 Les Cruzelles. Unctuous and flamboyantly ripe, with tons of intensity, the 2017 is another drop-dead gorgeous beauty in this range from Denis Durantou. Drink 2020-2032.
The 2017 Les Cruzelles was picked 13 to 22 September for the Merlot and on 22 September for the Cabernet Franc, matured in 70% new oak. It has a more tertiary, earthy bouquet compared to the 2018 with faint touches of brown spice infusing the red fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, black fruit tinged with liquorice leading to gentle grip on the finish. Excellent, though the 2018 has greater long-term potential. 2020-2027.
Tasted blind. Deep ruby. Slightly meaty, with rich, dense cherry fruit at the core. Polished, rich and refined with generous red fruits. The tannins are succulent for the vintage, allowing the fruit to shine through. Smoky, seductive finish. Cedary too.
Drink 2023 – 2035
Really refined tannins with a creamy, mouth-filling texture. Full to medium body. Juicy fruit with a lovely finish. So enjoyable now. Why wait?
A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc gives Les Cruzelles 2017 a medium to deep garnet color. It bursts with impressive notes of red and black plum preserves, menthol, and rose oil, with hints of black tea and tar. Medium-bodied, the palate has a pleasant chewiness to the texture with delicate black fruit layers and a stewed tea finish.
This has plenty of distinct strands of flavour – some real stuffing to the rich red fruits, persistent tannins infused with freshness. The Merlot was picked 13 to 22 September and Cabernet Franc on 22 September. From gravel and clay soils with a little sand. An excellent choice in Lalande-de-Pomerol, from the skilled hands of Denis Durantou.
Drinking Window 2023 - 2036
Very dark core, almost black. Definite sweetness of oak on the nose but also dark and savoury, lightly charry note. Juicy and very fresh on the palate, more scented on the palate and the tannins more supple than on La Chenade at the moment. Juicy, fresh finish, needs the oak to die back a bit.
Drink 2022-2027
The 2017 vintage is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. The Merlot was picked from the 13th to the 22nd September; the Cabernet Franc was picked on 22nd September . 17 600 bottles to be produced with elevage in 40% new oak. A deep ruby with spicy mulberry and plums on the nose. Mouthcoating ripe tannins line the palate, which shows some toasty barrel flavours before revealing a palate of juicy bramble fruits and cassis. Very moreish, with a savoury edge that feels almost saline on the mid palate, seasoning the riper notes of blackberry. The exotic smokiness from the oak is measured, refining the tannins and leaving a silky texture on the long finish.
Ripe black plums the nose is sweet the palate has flesh rich fruit There are enough fresh fruits to balance but it is the sweet black plum that gives fleshy richness on the finish. 2023-34
The new oak adds a level of vanilla and spice to this wine and this makes it a little showier than both Saintayme and La Chenade. It is a wine with lovely balance and definition and the crunch of acidity and freshness serves to accentuate the bright fruit notes. This is a great vintage for Cabernet Franc and this is particularly clear in this wine.
The 2017 Lés Cruzelles comes from clay soils, the Merlot picked from 13 to 22 September, the Cabernet Franc on 22 September, matured in 40% new oak. I found that this has a little more cohesion and focus than the La Chenade at this early stage, blackberry mixed with raspberry and loamy scents, fresh and full of vim. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannin. This is very nicely focused with crisp acidity, saline and persistent on the finish. Excellent – this is as good a Lalande de Pomerol as you will find in 2017. Drink 2021-2035.
This shows a pretty center palate of dark fruit and hints of salt. Medium-bodied, firm and silky.
Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Les Cruzelles offers a pronounced savory nose of smoked meats, sautéed herbs and Indian spices with a core of warm plums and boysenberries plus a waft of truffles. Medium-bodied, the palate has loads of vibrant black fruits with a slight chewiness to the texture and herb-laced finish. 2020-2030.
Blended of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Les Cruzelles opens with crushed blackcurrants and blackberry compote notions with underlying menthol, pencil lead, anise and tobacco notes plus a waft of black pepper. Medium-bodied and quite minerally in the mouth, it has a firm frame of grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing with persistent earthy nuances.
