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Les Cruzelles 2017

RegionBordeaux
Subregion France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > Lalande Pomerol
ColourRed
TypeStill
Grape VarietyMerlot/Cabernet Franc

This 11 hectare property in Lalande de Pomerol is situated 1 km from the famous plateau of Pomerol, and is visible from the back door of Eglise Clinet. The Château was purchased in 2000 by Denis Durantou who ages the crop in 50% new oak and relegates fruit from the younger vines to his La Chenade label. Often better than many Pomerols and Saint Emilions that we taste, yet far cheaper thanks to the unfashionable appellation. 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. Grapes are selected from the best terroirs of the vineyard - clay soils similar to those on the plateau of Pomerol. A wine that always reminds us of a top Pomerol. Recent vintages have been stunning and there have been impressive results in recent blind tastings including the "Southwold Group". Along with Roc de Cambes, this is, in our view, the best wine produced in a "satelite appellation" of Bordeaux. Pricing policy is moderate. We absolutely love Les Cruzelles!

View all vintages of this wine | View all wines by Vignobles Denis Durantou

Label

Tasting Notes

Tasted blind. Deep ruby. Slightly meaty, with rich, dense cherry fruit at the core. Polished, rich and refined with generous red fruits. The tannins are succulent for the vintage, allowing the fruit to shine through. Smoky, seductive finish. Cedary too.
Drink 2023 – 2035

16.5+
Thomas Parker MW, JancisRobinson.com, October 2021

Really refined tannins with a creamy, mouth-filling texture. Full to medium body. Juicy fruit with a lovely finish. So enjoyable now. Why wait?

92
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, January 2020

A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc gives Les Cruzelles 2017 a medium to deep garnet color. It bursts with impressive notes of red and black plum preserves, menthol, and rose oil, with hints of black tea and tar. Medium-bodied, the palate has a pleasant chewiness to the texture with delicate black fruit layers and a stewed tea finish.

91
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent, December 2022

This has plenty of distinct strands of flavour – some real stuffing to the rich red fruits, persistent tannins infused with freshness. The Merlot was picked 13 to 22 September and Cabernet Franc on 22 September. From gravel and clay soils with a little sand. An excellent choice in Lalande-de-Pomerol, from the skilled hands of Denis Durantou.
Drinking Window 2023 - 2036

91
Jane Anson, Decanter.com, April 2018

Very dark core, almost black. Definite sweetness of oak on the nose but also dark and savoury, lightly charry note. Juicy and very fresh on the palate, more scented on the palate and the tannins more supple than on La Chenade at the moment. Juicy, fresh finish, needs the oak to die back a bit.
Drink 2022-2027

16
Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, April 2018

Ripe black plums the nose is sweet the palate has flesh rich fruit There are enough fresh fruits to balance but it is the sweet black plum that gives fleshy richness on the finish. 2023-34

88/90
Derek Smedley MW, DerekSmedleyMW.co.uk, April 2018

The new oak adds a level of vanilla and spice to this wine and this makes it a little showier than both Saintayme and La Chenade. It is a wine with lovely balance and definition and the crunch of acidity and freshness serves to accentuate the bright fruit notes. This is a great vintage for Cabernet Franc and this is particularly clear in this wine.

17+
Matthew Jukes, Matthew Jukes' Blog, April 2018
Read more tasting notes...

This shows a pretty center palate of dark fruit and hints of salt. Medium-bodied, firm and silky.

90/91
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, April 2018

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Les Cruzelles offers a pronounced savory nose of smoked meats, sautéed herbs and Indian spices with a core of warm plums and boysenberries plus a waft of truffles. Medium-bodied, the palate has loads of vibrant black fruits with a slight chewiness to the texture and herb-laced finish. 2020-2030.

88
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate (March 2020), March 2020

Blended of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Les Cruzelles opens with crushed blackcurrants and blackberry compote notions with underlying menthol, pencil lead, anise and tobacco notes plus a waft of black pepper. Medium-bodied and quite minerally in the mouth, it has a firm frame of grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing with persistent earthy nuances.

89/91
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate (236), April 2018
Please note that these tasting notes/scores are not intended to be exhaustive and in some cases they may not be the most recently published figures. However, we always do our best to add latest scores and reviews when these come to our attention. We advise customers who wish to purchase wines based simply on critical reviews to carry out further research into the latest reports.