Chateau Les Cruzelles Lalande de Pomerol 2018 93pts

Denis Durantou, owner and winemaker at Chateau L'Eglise Clinet and Les Cruzelles makes some of the best wines from Pomerol. Lalande de Pomerol is not far from Denis' famed L'Eglise Clinet estate, however the soils at Les Cruzelles will have more sandy gravel and less clay, more suitable for Merlot. The town Lalande de Pomerol has around 700 inhabitants and was a former thriving hub for pilgrims in the 13th century. Sadly Denis passed away in 2020, however he left behind a wine legacy that is hard to replicate. He helped put Pomerol on the map and was truly an unique icon in Bordeaux.

RP 91-93

JD 93

JS 91-92

WINE NOTES

"The 2018 Les Cruzelles is composed of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, with 40% new oak and 14.5% alcohol. Deep garnet-purple colored, it comes bounding out of the glass with energetic scents of crushed blackberries, juicy black cherries and ripe plums, plus hints of menthol, dark chocolate and star anise. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers mouth-filling black fruits with a soft texture and bags of freshness, finishing long and lively. This was produced by the late Denis Durantou of Château L’Eglise Clinet." Robert Parker's Wine Advocate