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La Chenade 2023

RegionBordeaux
Subregion France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > Lalande Pomerol
ColourRed
TypeStill
Grape VarietyMerlot/Cabernet Franc

This wine is produced by the Durantou family of Château L'Eglise Clinet in Pomerol. The fruit is sourced from a section of the Les Cruzelles vineyard with gravel soil and younger vines. This has probably been Farr Vintners' biggest selling Bordeaux wine en primeur over the last 15 years. Year on year La Chenade delivers the goods but the price remains reasonable.

In 2023 production is smaller than ever - with all of the Cabernet Franc going into Les Cruzelles. This 100% Merlot wine is being aged in 40% new oak and comes out at 14.3% alcohol. There will only be 700 dozen bottles produced.

View all vintages of this wine | View all wines by Vignobles Denis Durantou

Label

Tasting Notes

The 2023 La Chenade is pure Merlot. Last year contained 20% Cabernet Franc, but this year, Noëmie Durantou blended it into the Les Cruzelles cuvée. Picked on September 13 and matured in 40% new oak, this is noticeably reductive on the nose. It’s quite intense, although perhaps missing amplitude usually bestowed by the Cabernet Franc. The palate is medium-bodied with a lovely texture and a keen line of acidity, lightly spiced with gentle grip on the slightly savory finish. Very satisfying in the mouth, this is a sensual La Chenade that will provide for delicious early drinking.

89/91
Neal Martin, vinous.com, April 2024

The 2023 La Chenade shows a dark, somber profile, evoking aromas of gentian, licorice, mulberries and violet. Medium-bodied with a layered and rich palate, it’s creamy and enrobing with velvety tannins and a long, firm finish. It was made entirely from Merlot grapes that are matured in new oak barrels, comprising 40% of the total.

90/92
Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate, April 2024

Mid ruby in colour with a generous, milk chocolate and red fruit nose. The palate is supple and round, with a hit of mocha and creamy fruit at the core. This supple, slick wine is texturally superb, it will drink well young and offers real value for money.

90/93
Thomas Parker MW, Farr Vintners, April 2024

La Chenade has depth and layering with lots going on. Crunchy blackberry and raspberry fruit character and round tannins. 100% merlot. Better than 2022.

93/94
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, April 2024

La Chenade 2023 is 100% Merlot and is deep garnet-purple in color. Notes of blueberry pie, juicy raspberries, and Morello cherries erupt from the glass, leading to hints of graphite, dried herbs, and wafts of tar. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock-full of juicy black fruits, supported by grainy tannins and well-knit freshness, finishing long and earthy.

89/91
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent, May 2024

The 2023 La Chenade, 100% Merlot this year, opens with gorgeous aromatics. Medium in body and vibrant, with terrific energy, the 2023 is all class. Cedar, tobacco and dried herbs add an attractive savory/floral character, while bright acids that pull it all together on the close. This is beautifully done. 2028-2038

90/92
Antonio Galloni, vinous.com, April 2024

100% Merlot. All the Cabernet Franc is in Les Cruzelles this year. Cask sample.
Hedgerow-fruit notes. Juicy, round and fresh. Lighter weight and frame with powdery tannins on the finish. Earlier drinking. (JL) 14.3%
Drink 2026 – 2034

15.5
James Lawther MW, JancisRobinson.com, May 2024
Please note that these tasting notes/scores are not intended to be exhaustive and in some cases they may not be the most recently published figures. However, we always do our best to add latest scores and reviews when these come to our attention. We advise customers who wish to purchase wines based simply on critical reviews to carry out further research into the latest reports.