In Bond Fine Wine. 2021 La Chenade, Lalande de Pomerol, Bordeaux, France. Red Bordeaux in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 91/100 (AG). Drinking window: 2024–2040. 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.
William Kelley (WK) — 89–90/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 29/04/2022
The 2021 La Chenade, from vineyards in Lalande de Pomerol that were saved from the frost, offers up rich aromas of berries and plums mingled with loamy soil and spices. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and seamless, it's built around powdery tannins and lively acids.
Antonio Galloni (AG) — 91/100 · Vinous, 27/02/2024 · Drink 2024-2033
The 2021 La Chenade is soft, supple and super-expressive right out of the gate. Silky tannins wrap around a core of red cherry fruit, plum, mocha, spice and new leather, with pretty floral and savory top notes that come alive with a bit of time in the glass. La Chenade is all Merlot this year, as the Franc was used for the Cruzelles.
Neal Martin (NM) — 88/100 · Vinous, 22/02/2024 · Drink 2027-2036
The 2021 La Chenade, which does not contain Cabernet Franc this year, has a more complex bouquet than the Saintayme, with touches of blackberry, pine needles and just a whiff of tobacco. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly dry tannins on the entry, but there is a core of ripe black fruit here laced with white pepper and clove. The finish is cohesive with commendable length. No, this is not…