2018 Les Cruzelles, Lalande de Pomerol

This is produced by Denis Durantou of Château L’Eglise Clinet. The 2018 Les Cruzelles is blended of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc with 40% new oak and 14.5% alcohol. Deep purple-black in color, it features slightly reduced notions of asphalt and tires over a core of warm red and black plums, blackberry pie and boysenberries with hints of fruitcake, incense and potpourri. Full-bodied, rich and packed with perfumed black fruit, it has a velvety texture and seamless freshness, finishing long.

This is more concentrated and powerful that the Cruzelles, even though the two estates are right next door, showing its cooler clay terroir in the weight of the tannins, and the body of the wine just a little bigger. Again, it’s highly enjoyable with the personality differences clearer than in many years. Harvest took place between 18 September and 28 September. 40% new oak was used. A yield of 40hl/ha.

This is a firm and lightly chewy young wine with dark berries and blueberries and wet earth. Stony undertone. Full to medium body. Linear finish.

The 2018 Les Cruzelles emerges from older vines Denis Durantou's Lalande De Pomerol property. Clay/gravelly soils in this parcels give the Cruzelles a darker fruit profile and greater breadth as well as more tannic clout than its sibling. Inky, dark blue/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, menthol and licorice all develop in the glass. This is an especially powerful, structured expression of Lalande de Pomerol, and it works beautifully.