In Bond Fine Wine. 2021 Les Cruzelles, Lalande de Pomerol, Bordeaux, France. Red Bordeaux in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 93/100 (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) — 89–91/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 29/04/2022
The 2021 Les Cruzelles is showing considerable promise, wafting from the glass with aromas of plums, sweet spices, wild berries and loamy soil. Medium to full-bodied, layered and impressively deep and concentrated, with lively acids and a saline finish, it's a terrific effort and as usual a benchmark for what is possible in Lalande-de-Pomerol. The 2021 is a blend of 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Fr…
Antonio Galloni (AG) — 93/100 · Vinous, 27/02/2024 · Drink 2024-2036
The 2021 Les Cruzelles is just as impressive as it was en primeur. The blend is 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc, with the Franc very much front and center. Dried herbs, tobacco, cedar, new leather, menthol and licorice race across the palate. Deep and layered, with tons of dynamic energy, the 2021 is impeccably done.
Jane Anson (JA) — 93/100 · Inside Bordeaux, 26/03/2024 · Drink 2026-2040
Deep ruby colour with aromatic depths. Toasted oak, liqourice root, peach pit, tobacco, cocoa bean, blueberry. Delicate, well structured, fingers of peony on the finish, still with the reserve of the vintage that means the texture is less fleshy than in recent vintages of this wine. One to look out for, no need to wait too long, one of the few that I feel has improved over ageing. 50% new oak. Ha…