In Bond Fine Wine. 2017 Les Cruzelles, Lalande de Pomerol, Bordeaux, France. Red Bordeaux in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 93/100 (AG). Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
Made by the talented Durantou family. La Chenade & Les Cruzelles are located in the Lalande de Pomerol appellation, a stone's throw from Eglise Clinet across the border in Pomerol. Les Cruzelles, from gravel and clay-rich soils, is more structured and ageworthy than La Chenade, which is juicy & expressive.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW (LPB) — 89–91/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 27/04/2018
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 nuan…
Julia Harding MW (JH) — 16/20 · JancisRobinson.com, 25/04/2018 · Drink 2022-2027
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.
Jane Anson (JA) — 91/100 · Decanter.com, 01/04/2018 · Drink 2023-2036
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.