Aromas of chocolate, melted caramel, toffee and black cherry jam emerge from this sexy, full-bodied, lush wine. Consume it over the next 7-8 years. Given what proprietor Denis Durantou accomplished at his flagship estate of l’Eglise Clinet, it is not surprising that his Lalande de Pomerol is another brilliant wine as well as a major sleeper of the vintage. Harvested between September 21 and October 1, the 2012 Les Cruzelles is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc.

A high-toned style, with pure violet, red currant and pomegranate notes, featuring a sleek, iron-tinged finish. Fresh and focused. —J.M.

The La Cruzelles is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc picked from 21st September until the 1st October, the Cabernet Franc picked on 6th October. There is certainly good volume on the nose with brambly dark berry fruit and briary scents. The oak will integrate during élevage. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. This is a tightly wound La Cruzelles, a little more masculine that previous vintage with a good backbone. It is focused and linear as always, with ample freshness on the finish that does not quite have the persistency of a top vintage, which is to be expected. Still a lovely wine that should be afforded two or three years in bottle. Tasted April 2013.

Lots of blueberries and blackberries with a tangy acidity and freshness. Full body, with juicy fruit and a clean crisp finish. 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc.

[90M/10CF] Winningly sweet fruit, a light tannin, a gently mouthcoating complexity and perfume, nice peristence and overall harmony; a fine Lalande de Pomerol with an extra richness and complexity from the clay content of its soil. 2016-25+ [M.Schuster, Bordeaux Mar/Apr 2013]

Spicy, dark cherry nose – slightly exotic. Interesting! Firm structure with a dense core of quite sweet fruit and a slightly savoury note. A straightforward, solid effort for the price.

90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, on clay and gravel. Less aromatic on the nose than the Chenade and the oak more evident. A little short of flesh in the middle but it has been made in a way that balances this so it is fresh and not astringent, the dark fruit brought out on the finish, which is longer than La Chenade. Drink 2015-2020 (JH)