Les Cruzelles 2008

Also a sleeper of the vintage, the 2008 over-delivers for its modest pedigree. Loads of black currant fruit, licorice, vanillin, caramel and mocha are found in this full-bodied, surprisingly concentrated, textured, hedonistic Lalande de Pomerol. It should drink well for 10 years or more.

Now produced only from the vines planted six years ago, the bouquet is lifted and fresh with dark cherries and wild strawberries with great vigour. The palate is medium-bodied with great balanced and depth. Very fine tannins, nicely integrated new oak, touches of cedar towards the boysenberry and cherry tinged finish. Excellent. Tasted March 2009

On gravelly clay soil. Vines are only six years old. Denis Durantou: 'I've bought most of it - it's my danseuse. I've replanted most of it now - my way, north-south and 8,000 vines per ha'. Half new oak.Dark crimson. Meaty, rich, lively. Great zest and life - really bouncing. Really racy. A bit of gas still there. Very rich and sweet and sensual. Full of reward and cocoa powder! Proper wine. Long. Good value?

Probably the finest wine yet produced by proprietor Denis Durantou, this sleeper of the vintage exhibits beautifully ripe black raspberry and black cherry fruit interwoven with notes of truffles, licorice, and flowers. Surprisingly dense, with medium to full body, silky tannins, and lovely freshness, this is a concentrated, fleshy, mouthfilling Lalande de Pomerol to drink during its first 10-15 years of life.