| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | |
| 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. Following the terrible news in May 2020, this will be the last vintage made by the brilliant, late Denis Durantou who purchased the Château in 2000. Fruit from the younger vines is relegated to his La Chenade label. Often better than many Pomerols and Saint Emilions that we taste, yet far cheaper - thanks to the unfashionable appellation. 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!
The 2019 Les Cruzelles is another terrific success for an estate that's the reference point for what's possible in the Lalande-de-Pomerol appellation. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of sweet red berries, raw cocoa, orange rind, rose petals and loamy soil, it's medium to full-bodied, lively and concentrated, with beautifully refined tannins and a more tightly wound, structured profile than its sibling in the Durantou portfolio, La Chenade. Drink Date 2025 - 2045
The 2019 Les Cruzelles is composed of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, aged in 40% new oak. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it needs a little swirling to unlock beguiling scents of kirsch, mulberries, lavender, and tree bark with hints of cracked black pepper and tilled soil. Full-bodied, the palate is taut and muscular with a firm line of grainy tannins and compelling tension, finishing long and fragrant.
Deep ruby colour. Finely etched on the nose despite its intensity. Cherry blossom, violet, blackberry and red cherry. The spice of oak is subtle, only adding to the overall fragrance of the wine. The palate is deep and tightly wound at this early stage. Fine, persistent and plentiful tannin provide a dense structure but the ripenese and refinement means that the perception is still velveteen. The fruit slowly unfurls from a powerful and compact core to reveal layers of red and black fruit. Chalky throughout, fruit expands to a spherical, plump and powerful bomb of brambly fruit. Very long and full of potential.
Blackberries and blueberries with floral and sandalwood undertones. Medium-bodied with cedar highlights and long, linear tannins. Shows energy and brightness. Try after 2024.
Lots of smoked grilled herb and black fruit notes here, this has the same reduction as La Chenade, but it's gorgeous, with an espresso edge and a ton of liquorice bud. Lots of fresh acidities, carefully placed, tiptoeing through the palate. The 2018 is a more exuberant Les Cruzelles, but this is a serious wine, with real character and life ahead. 40% new oak.
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.
Ripe black cherries, blueberries, iron, spring flowers, and a touch of chocolaty minerality emerge from the 2019 Château Les Cruzelles, another incredible success from Denis Durantou. Rich, medium to full-bodied, and concentrated, you should buy a case and drink bottles any time over the coming 10-15 years.
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
This is smoky, spicy and meaty with blueberry character. It’s medium-bodied with a chewy texture and a tight, pronounced finish. Serious.
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.
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
