Les Cruzelles 2019

The 2019 Les Cruzelles, the late Denis Durantou's Lalande-de-Pomerol estate, was picked between 18 and 28 September and matured in 30% new oak. It has a very really gorgeous bouquet with disarmingly pure blackberry and blueberry fruit. The oak is seamlessly integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with dark berry fruit mixed with dried orange peel and a pinch of sea salt. This has so much character and personality, the salinity on the finish lingers wonderfully. 2023 - 2033

This wine is produced by Denis Darantou and family of Château L’Eglise-Clinet. Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 Les Cruzelles (a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc) opens with powerful black fruit scents of ripe blackberries, black cherries and mulberries with underlying floral notions of lilacs and wilted roses and hints of dark chocolate, fertile loam and mossy tree bark. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock-full of expressive, crunchy black fruits, framed by chunky tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with a peppery kick.

This is smoky, spicy and meaty with blueberry character. It’s medium-bodied with a chewy texture and a tight, pronounced finish. Serious.

The 2019 is a blend of 80% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Franc, and is aged in 40% new French oak (exclusively Darnajou barrels, which are the lighter, less toasty barrels of the two used at Eglise Clinet). 14.5% abv, with a total production of 2,200 cases. Deep ruby in colour with just a hint of flinty reduction at this stage, the nose is still extremely powerful with finely etched blueberry, sweet plum and juicy red cherries. The palate has great depth but a disarmingly glossy and refined texture from the tannins. This gives a plump and seamless mouthfeel that allows the dense core of fruit to drive the palate forward, freshened by waves of bright acidity. The spice from oak is present but superbly integrated, offering accents of sweet vanilla and toasted savoury spices. The finish is long, pure and harmonious, confirming once again that this a real star buy in 2019.

For me this stands out above La Chenade, in the yin and yang of these two terroirs. Has more signature of the Pomerol side of Lalande, with rich coffee-tinged blackberry fruits, still with beautiful control and lift. Silky, elegant, concentrated. This is a wine that stands as a tribute to the brilliance of Denis Durantou in these smaller appellations, and is one that you will drink with emotion. Drinking Window 2023 - 2036

80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc; 40% new oak. Barrel sample.
More depth and intensity than sister La Chenade. Lovely, pure, almost burgundian red-fruit aromatics with cherry, raspberry notes. Palate bright and vivacious with delicious fruit and an additional floral note. Finely honed tannins, the wine overall gently poised and balanced. Should be GV. (JL) 14.5%
Drink 2024 – 2034