| 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! 2625 cases will be produced in 2018 from 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, aged in 40% new oak.
The 2018 Lés Cruzelles impressed from barrel. Now in bottle, it has developed quite a precocious, intense bouquet of blackberry and blueberry fruit, a light savory note and earthy scents emerging with time. The palate is just wonderful: exquisitely balanced, quite structured yet not unapproachable, the acidity perfectly judged, with a ferrous note toward the finish. This is as good a Lalande de Pomerol as you will find in this vintage. 2022 - 2040
The 2018 Les Cruzelles is composed of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, with 40% new oak and 14.5% alcohol. Deep garnet-purple colored, it comes bounding out of the glass with energetic scents of crushed blackberries, juicy black cherries and ripe plums, plus hints of menthol, dark chocolate and star anise. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers mouth-filling black fruits with a soft texture and bags of freshness, finishing long and lively 2023 - 2040
A pretty, soft wine, offering cherry, berry and lightly stewed-fruit character with chocolate and coffee undertones. It’s medium-bodied with round tannins and a juicy finish. Already delicious. Drink or hold.
Tasted blind. Very flatteringly sweet though with a slight inkiness on the end. Thick and dense. Lots of fruit and lots of tannin. Quite a bit of alcohol too! 14.5%
Drink 2027 – 2043
80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc; 40% new oak. Barrel sample.
Black core with purple rim. Much fresher and more aromatic than the Chenade. Juicier and more supple to begin, with lively freshness, but the tannins are powerful and compact and it’s a bit tough on the finish. (JH) 14.5%
Drink 2025-2030
Very deep purple in colour, with a perfumed but rich nose of black cherries, violets, and nutmeg. The palate is glossy on entry, with opulent, ripe black and red fruits at the core. The tannins build through the mid palate, giving a rich and ripe structure for the fruit. Bright acidity tames the fleshy, exotic notes and adds a savoury, spicy complexity. The finish is extremely long, pure and harmonious, powerful yet perfectly poised. This is a standout wine in 2018, and will without doubt be one of the value picks of the vintage.
From the team of Denis Durantou, notes of cassis, violets, tobacco, and earth all emerge from the 2018 Château Les Cruzelles, which is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc brought up in 40% new barrels. It's medium to full-bodied, elegant, and weightless on the palate, with loads to love. I also suspect it will represent a stunning value for true wine lovers (and drinkers) out there.
(80 Merlot, 20 Cabernet Franc) | 40% new oak | 14.5% alc | The Merlot was picked between the 18th and 25th September and the Cabernet Franc was picked on the 28th September | 31500 bottles were produced With ‘sweeter’ fruit notes on the nose than both Saintem and La Chenade, this is initially a more flattering wine, but the tannins swoop in and there is a very dry finish here which shows smokiness and tobacco tones, making this an exotic wine. It will need a decade, but I anticipate a complete and complex wine in time. 17++
This is a firm and lightly chewy young wine with dark berries and blueberries and wet earth. Stony undertone. Full to medium body. Linear finish.
This is produced by Denis Durantou of Château L’Eglise Clinet. The 2018 Les Cruzelles is blended of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc with 40% new oak and 14.5% alcohol. Deep purple-black in color, it features slightly reduced notions of asphalt and tires over a core of warm red and black plums, blackberry pie and boysenberries with hints of fruitcake, incense and potpourri. Full-bodied, rich and packed with perfumed black fruit, it has a velvety texture and seamless freshness, finishing long.
