2022, Château La Chenade, LALANDE DE POMEROL

Bordeaux Blend: Merlot, Cabernet Franc

Produced by the Durantou family of Château L'Eglise Clinet in Pomerol. The fruit is sourced from a section of the Les Cruzelles vineyard with gravel soil and younger vines. 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc. Maturation in 30% new oak.

The 2022 La Chenade has a perfumed and floral bouquet, with iris and peony infusing the black and red fruit and a light marine influence in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, good depth, white pepper and clove filtering through the earthy fruit on the finish. So much character and personality in this Lalande-de-Pomerol. 90-92 Neal Martin, Vinous.

This is an outstanding Chenade. The aromatics are full of lift and ripe red fruits, a saline wood smoke offering some added complexity. The palate has red fruit in the middle that bursts through the tannin and acidity to give a ripe, round but fresh fruit core. The toasting on the oak has been well judged, offering a light char to complement rather than override the fruit. Sumptuous already, it will drink well early in its life. 91-94 Thomas Parker MW, Farr Vintnerrs, London.

A focused and polished red with berry, chocolate and walnut character. Medium body. Focused center palate and a fresh finish. Coffee-bean and ripe-seed character. Vivid. 92-93 James Suckling.

Drinking Window: 2026 - 2040