Château Les Cruzelles Lalande-de-Pomerol 2018

A refined palate, with a light, elegant body and excellent balance.

Denis Durantou is one of the leading winemakers on the Right Bank. Here, across 10 hectares, he applies the same meticulous care as he does at his flagship estate in Pomerol, L’Église Clinet. This wine ranks among the finest in Lalande, with a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Floral, spicy, and silky, we love its well-integrated, lingering tannins, which are perfectly balanced. At 25 euros, it offers excellent value for the money.

The 2018 Les Cruzelles is composed of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, aged in 40% new oak, with an alcohol content of 14.5%. Deep garnet-purple in color, it bursts from the glass with vibrant aromas of crushed blackberries, juicy black cherries, and ripe plums, along with notes of menthol, dark chocolate, and star anise. Medium- to full-bodied on the palate, it offers black fruit flavors, a smooth texture, and great freshness, culminating in a long, lively finish.

With a style that appeals to everyone, featuring notes of warm plums and candied cherries at its heart, framed by a hint of toasted vanilla.

The 2018 Les Cruzelles comes from clay-gravel soil; the Merlot was harvested from September 18 to 25 and the Cabernet Franc on September 28, and it is aged in 40% new oak. It has a more opulent and higher-toned bouquet compared to La Chenade, offering expressive notes of blueberry and blackcurrant that become more floral in the glass, with hints of iris and violet emerging. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with succulent tannins that lend weight and concentration to this exceptional Lalande de Pomerol. The lingering, spicy finish is remarkably full-bodied and elegant, with impressive precision. Please tell me you bought this wine when it went on sale earlier this year!

A lovely, supple wine with aromas of cherry, berries, and slightly stewed fruit, along with hints of chocolate and coffee. It is medium-bodied with round tannins and a juicy finish. Already delicious. Enjoy now or save for later.