| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > Lalande Pomerol |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
This 11 hectare property in Lalande de Pomerol, owned by the Durantou family since 2000, is situated 1 km from the famous plateau of Pomerol, and is visible from the back door of Eglise Clinet. Les Cruzelles is often better than many Pomerols and Saint Emilions that we taste, yet far cheaper - thanks to the unfashionable appellation. 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 "satellite appellation" of Bordeaux. The pricing policy is moderate. We absolutely love Les Cruzelles and thousands of Farr Vintners' customers have enjoyed drinking it over the last twenty years.
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 Franc.
This vintage, Noëmie Durantou decided that one lot of Cabernet Franc was so good that she took it out of La Chenade and blended it into the 2021 Les Cruzelles. It has a lovely nose with blackberry, redcurrant, undergrowth and hints of bell pepper, that Cabernet lending more complexity. The palate is very well balanced with good depth and freshness, spicier than usual with a persistent finish. This would be my pick for Durantou if their Pomerol wines are out of reach.
Fresh, delicate and lively, the 2020 Les Cruzelles impresses with its freshness and aromas of cassis, blueberry, spring flowers and iris. This is a fresh and fruity wine with gastronomic appeal that is enveloping and full-bodied on the palate with a savory finish. The 2020 is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc.
The 2021 has a high percentage of Cabernet Franc, representing 35% of the blend, with the remainder Merlot. Harvested between 23rd and 30th September, 1,750 cases will be produced at 13.5% abv, with the wine matured in 50% new French oak. This is extremely impressive for the vintage. Deep ruby colour, with superb purity on the nose of dark cherry, red plum and summer pudding. The palate has the flesh of Merlot but the deep graphite intensity of Cabernet Franc. Very fine and lightly smoky, there is a drive of refreshing acidity and plentiful chalky tannin but intense fruit at the core. This offers a red/black fusion of fruit and is already multi-layered. The higher level of Cabernet Franc adds savour, depth, and structure. Very long on the finish, with a flourish of pencil shavings, forest fruit and toasted spices, this is an excellent Cruzelles that will offer superb value for money.
Very pretty blend of 65% merlot and 35% cabernet franc with a medium body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. Shows brightness and refinement.
The 2021 Les Cruzelles is composed of 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc, aging in 50% new oak. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, it leaps with notes of wild blueberries, fresh raspberries, and redcurrant, followed by hints of tar and wild sage. Medium-bodied, the palate is lively with a lot of energy, featuring rounded tannins and bags of crunchy red fruits, finishing with an herbal lift.
2025-2035
Gunsmoke reduction, clears quickly, and this is a successful interpretation of the vintage, with cooling and precise savoury blue fruits, and a whisp of violet aromatics. Fine tannins, well balanced, working with an unsual blend because higher levels of Cabernet Franc than normal. 45hl/h yields from early-ripening terroir. Look out for it. Harvest September 23 to 30.
65% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc. Cask sample.
Outstanding for the year. Lovely, floral notes on the nose and density on the palate. A velvety texture to the plentiful tannins. Full and long from beginning to end. Doesn’t miss a beat. (JL) 13.5%
Drink 2026 – 2036
