2019 Chateau Les Cruzelles, Lalande de Pomerol

The 2019 Les Cruzelles is a big wine. Black cherry, gravel, smoke, licorice and new leather blast out of the glass. Dizzyingly intense and deep, with equally potent tannins, Les Cruzelles is fabulous in 2019. It is also going to need at least a few years in bottle to come together. Harvest took place from September 18 and 25 for the Merlot and September 28 for the Franc. June 2020

The 2019 Les Cruzelles is showing very well today with aromas of spices, flowers, dark berries and delicate hints of rose petals. This juicy wine is seamless and layered with powdery tannins and a fleshy texture, typical of Lalande-de-Pomerol. This wine possesses more race and depth than the 2016 La Chenade. It will offer a broad drinking window.

The 2019 Les Cruzelles, the late Denis Durantou's Lalande-de-Pomerol estate, was picked between 18 and 28 September and matured in 30% new oak. It has a very really gorgeous bouquet with disarmingly pure blackberry and blueberry fruit. The oak is seamlessly integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with dark berry fruit mixed with dried orange peel and a pinch of sea salt. This has so much character and personality, the salinity on the finish lingers wonderfully.

80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc; 40% new oak. Barrel sample. More depth and intensity than sister La Chenade. Lovely, pure, almost burgundian red-fruit aromatics with cherry, raspberry notes. Palate bright and vivacious with delicious fruit and an additional floral note. Finely honed tannins, the wine overall gently poised and balanced. Should be GV . (JL)