In Bond Fine Wine. 2024 Les Cruzelles, Lalande de Pomerol, Bordeaux, France. Red Bordeaux in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 91–94/100 (AG). Drinking window: 2026–2045. 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.
Antonio Galloni (AG) — 91–94/100 · Vinous, 29/04/2025 · Drink 2026-2036
The 2024 Les Cruzelles is laced with blue/purplish fruit, cloves, licorice, menthol, incense and gravel. Ample and broad, with terrific resonance, the 2024 is super-expressive right out of the gate. There's gorgeous resonance and fine balance here.
Jane Anson (JA) — 91/100 · Inside Bordeaux, 24/04/2025 · Drink 2029-2040
There is austerity here, as is classic in the vintage, but beautifully handled and balanced, with muscles, touch of cloves and again this white pepper character, with white plum, fine tannins, mouth-watering salinity on the finish. No chaptilisation, 57% new oak for ageing.
William Kelley (WK) — 85–87/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 23/04/2025 · Drink 2026 - 2030
The 2024 Les Cruzelles is shy and introverted, offering up aromas of pepper, oak and incense. Moderately weighted, supple and lively, it's built around tangy acids and powdery tannins.