| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > Lalande Pomerol |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
This 11 hectare property in Lalande de Pomerol, owned by the Durantou family since 2000, is situated 1 km from the famous plateau of Pomerol, and is visible from the back door of Eglise Clinet. Les Cruzelles is 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 "satellite appellation" of Bordeaux. The pricing policy is moderate. We absolutely love Les Cruzelles and thousands of Farr Vintners' customers have enjoyed drinking it over the last twenty years.
The 2023 is 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc. Maturation in 55% new oak. 14.5% alcohol.
The 2023 Les Cruzelles is the same blend as last year. Though it includes fruit that went into La Chenade in 2022, the volume of Merlot was higher, so it remains 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. When Noemie Durantou tasted through the tanks, she found it easy to pick out the wines from Les Cruzelles. Harvested between September 11 and 18 and matured in 52% new oak, this has a delineated and focused bouquet. A hint of incense infuses the black fruit, while a subtle citric element tucks in underneath. The palate is wonderful, certainly more complex and mineral-driven than the La Chenade, possessing gentle grip and perfectly pitched acidity. it fans out with chutzpah on the peppery finish. Excellent.
The 2023 Les Cruzelles initially presents a slightly oaky aroma, which transitions to a more floral essence upon aeration. Then it evokes aromas of dark wild berries, spices and mulberries. Medium-bodied, round and charming, it has velvety tannins and a dense, elegant mid-palate, with a long, rich and fruity finish. It's a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc matured in 55% new oak.
Deep ruby in colour, Cruzelles once again is a serious wine that punches well above its price point. Coffee bean, dark cherry, mulling spices and and even cassis come through on the nose. The palate is more airy than expected, bringing more high tone fruit and floral accents to match the dark cherry core. Redolent and expansive on the finish, the tannins build with chalky grip, emphasising the ageing potential. Ripe but not heavy, this is another excellent example of this consistent, reliable wine.
This is one of the best young Lalande de Pomerols I have had. It is very deep and complex on the palate, with pure fruit, spice and chocolate. Lovely tannins, too. 80% merlot and 20% cabernet sauvignon.
A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, Les Cruzelles 2023 is deep garnet-purple in color. After a couple of swirls, vibrant notes of plum preserves, blackberry pie, and boysenberry preserves leap from the glass, followed by nuances of red roses, licorice, and tapenade. The medium to full-bodied palate is charged with energetic black fruit and mineral flavors, supported by nice, ripe, rounded tannins and seamless acidity, finishing long and wonderfully pure.
A vintage where the gap between Cruzelles and La Chenade is wide, and even on the nose it is clear that there are more depths and density to this wine. Love the texture, the depth of raspberry and damson fruits, shot through with black tea, sage and fennel. This is really a brilliant Cruzelles, 55% new oak. Harvest September 1 to 18. 42hl/h yield. Noëmie Durantou winemaker.
The 2023 Les Cruzelles is a potent, deep wine. The 2023 has all the Cabernet Francs from the Lalande-de-Pomerol estate blended with Merlots that were particularly abundant. Pretty floral and savory notes from the Franc give this mid-weight, dynamic, vibrant Lalande-de-Pomerol tons of charm. I especially admire its energy. Readers will want to give this a few years in bottle. 2028-2043
80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc. Cask sample.
Fragrant and floral, the palate more explosive than the nose at present. Decent depth of fruit and well-honed tannins. Chalky note on the finish. (JL) 14.5%
Drink 2029 – 2038
