In Bond Fine Wine. 2020 Les Cruzelles, Lalande de Pomerol, Bordeaux, France. Red Bordeaux in 3x150cl. Top critic score: 92/100 (NM). Drinking window: 2023–2040. 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.
Neal Martin (NM) — 90–92/100 · Vinous, 27/05/2021 · Drink 2024 - 2038
The 2020 Les Cruzelles offers plenty of brambly red fruit on the nose, where touches of undergrowth, menthol and cassis unfold with time. Compared to the La Chenade, there is a little more showiness here. The palate is medium-bodied with superb acidity that cuts through the graphite-tinged black fruit. Displaying wonderful focus and energy from start to finish, this is a classy Lalande de Pomerol…
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW (LPB) — 91–93/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 23/05/2021 · Drink 2024 - 2039
The 2020 Les Cruzelles is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, coming from gravelly clay soil. The Merlot was picked from the 10th to the 15th September, and the Cabernet Franc was picked on the 16th of September. It has an alcohol of 14.5% and is aging in French oak barrels, 50% new. Deep garnet-purple in color, it bursts with impactful notes of plum preserves, blueberry compote and kir…
Neal Martin (NM) — 91/100 · Vinous, 2024-11-12 · Drink 2026-2037
The 2020 Les Cruzelles is very composed, delineated and focused on the nose, with fresh black fruit, forest floor and light black mushroom scents. The oak is very nicely integrated. The palate is medium-bodied, fleshy and caressing at the mouth, with pliant tannins, plump red fruit and a sweet but not cloying finish. It's quite delicious and reflects the growing season. Tasted blind at the annual…