2022, Château Les Cruzelles, LALANDE-DE-POMEROL

Bordeaux Blend: Merlot, Cabernet Franc

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 brilliant this year. High intensity on the nose with fragrant, supple red fruits, toasted nutmeg and cumin with a whiff of pencil shavings. The palate is just as complex, with a glossy entry showcasing the dense red fruit at the core before a hit of vanilla and fresh toast. This is generous and engaging, with a saline tone refreshing the notes of roasted plum and fresh cherry. The tannins build to the finish, making the structure of a truly Grand Vin. Persistent in structure, spice and fruit, it will have a long, open drinking window. 93-95 Thomas Parker MW, Farr Vintnerrs, London.

The 2022 Les Cruzelles was picked between 1 and 12 September and matured in 50% new oak. This has plenty of fruité on the nose: small red cherries, redcurrant and wild strawberry fruit, a touch of cedar in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with wonderful definition and mineralité , dark fruit, hints of black tea and spices, really harmonious and sappy on the finish. Possibly the best Les Cruzelles that I have tasted at this stage and sure to be an unbeatable value-for-money. 92-94 Neal Martin, Vinous.

More clay in the soils here and there is a lovely balance, fleshy in texture and high impact, but with a ton of interest, dark deep chocolate, gunsmoke, aniseed, fennel, black cherry, lovely fresh acidities. Harvest September 1 to 12, 28hl/h, 50% new oak, Noemie Durantou winemaker. 93 Jane Anson, Decanter.

A solid red with blackberry, chocolate, walnut and hazelnut. Medium to full body. 93-94 James Suckling.

Drinking Window: 2026 - 2040