Les Cruzelles 2017

This has plenty of distinct strands of flavour – some real stuffing to the rich red fruits, persistent tannins infused with freshness. The Merlot was picked 13 to 22 September and Cabernet Franc on 22 September. From gravel and clay soils with a little sand. An excellent choice in Lalande-de-Pomerol, from the skilled hands of Denis Durantou.Drinking Window 2023 - 2036

Very dark core, almost black. Definite sweetness of oak on the nose but also dark and savoury, lightly charry note. Juicy and very fresh on the palate, more scented on the palate and the tannins more supple than on La Chenade at the moment. Juicy, fresh finish, needs the oak to die back a bit. Drink 2022-2027

Ripe black plums the nose is sweet the palate has flesh rich fruit There are enough fresh fruits to balance but it is the sweet black plum that gives fleshy richness on the finish. 2023-34

The new oak adds a level of vanilla and spice to this wine and this makes it a little showier than both Saintayme and La Chenade. It is a wine with lovely balance and definition and the crunch of acidity and freshness serves to accentuate the bright fruit notes. This is a great vintage for Cabernet Franc and this is particularly clear in this wine.

The 2017 Lés Cruzelles comes from clay soils, the Merlot picked from 13 to 22 September, the Cabernet Franc on 22 September, matured in 40% new oak. I found that this has a little more cohesion and focus than the La Chenade at this early stage, blackberry mixed with raspberry and loamy scents, fresh and full of vim. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannin. This is very nicely focused with crisp acidity, saline and persistent on the finish. Excellent – this is as good a Lalande de Pomerol as you will find in 2017. Drink 2021-2035.

This shows a pretty center palate of dark fruit and hints of salt. Medium-bodied, firm and silky.

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Les Cruzelles offers a pronounced savory nose of smoked meats, sautéed herbs and Indian spices with a core of warm plums and boysenberries plus a waft of truffles. Medium-bodied, the palate has loads of vibrant black fruits with a slight chewiness to the texture and herb-laced finish. 2020-2030.

Blended of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Les Cruzelles opens with crushed blackcurrants and blackberry compote notions with underlying menthol, pencil lead, anise and tobacco notes plus a waft of black pepper. Medium-bodied and quite minerally in the mouth, it has a firm frame of grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing with persistent earthy nuances.