2015 Château Les Cruzelles, Lalande de Pomerol

The 2015 Lés Cruzelles is terrific. Bright, focused and also generous in the glass, the 2015 balances aromatic intensity with textural richness. Dark red cherry, violet, lavender, mint and wild flowers are all beautifully delineated throughout. There is a sense of energy here that is impossible to miss, while the finish is equally memorable. Lés Cruzelles is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc planted on gravel/clay soils. Harvest took place between September 15 and October 6.

The 2015 Les Cruzelles is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc on gravel/clayey soil, picked from September 15-22 and October 6 respectively, then matured in 45% new oak. The new wood is seamlessly integrated into this Lalande-de-Pomerol, more broody and introspective than the La Chenade at the moment, but very well defined. The palate is beautifully proportioned with crisp tannin, a fine line of acidity, somehow gentle and understated on the finish, but very long in the mouth. Yet another ridiculously fine wine to load up on, courtesy of Denis Durantou.

This is so on it with velvety tannins and rich fruit. So much fun to taste. Generous and exotic.

Crimson. Scented and compact nose. Savoury and supple. Very fine for a Lalande-de-Pomerol. Maybe flattering because it went into barrel before Chenade.