La Chenade 2014

The nose has woodland violets charm a hint of vanilla the palate starts with black cherry firmness but it fills out in the middle rich fruits fine tannins velvety and silky. Damsons enrich the back palate the finish is sweet fruited. 2020-29

Reflecting the sandier soils on which it is grown, La Chenade is often the lightest and most "feminine" wine in Denis Durantou's portfolio. This is very scented indeed, with refreshing acidity framing raspberry and wild strawberry fruit. The 30% new oak adds a sheen of vanilla spice.

The 2014 La Chenade, a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, has a straightforward but appealing bouquet with ample dark cherries, bergamot tea and a touch of dried flowers. The palate is medium-bodied with a tightly-knit structure. I appreciate the depth here, the focus and finesse, a wine that threatened to blossom in bottle... and it has. Given the market prices for this Lalande-de-Pomerol, Denis Durantou's 2014 comes highly recommended. Drink Date 2018-2028

The La Chenade 2014 is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc from gravel soils, picked September 24-29 and October 17-21, respectively. Matured in 30% new oak, it has a slightly simpler bouquet compared to Denis Durantou’s Saintayme, but still very pure with blackberry and hints of undergrowth, a light marine influence coming through with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with veins of dark chocolate on the entry, the oak probably needing a little more time to fully integrate than the Saintayme. It segues into a spicy and slightly austere finish that should gain more flesh during its élevage. Drink: 2016 - 2022

This is has a mint, fresh herb character. Medium body, fine tannins and a fresh finish.

Bright crimson. Quite angular and structured. Lots of minerality on the end. Less charming than the Saintayme St-Émilion tasted immediately before.Drink 2019-2027