Tasting Notes and Scores
Tasted by Jane Anson(at Primeur week tastings in Bordeaux, 01 May 2021)
Stands out from La Chenade in the vintage, with its velvet texture and a more serious sculpted feel overall. Tobacco and liquorice notes besides black cherry and raspberry fruits, good tension, serious but with Lalande-de-Pomerol unfussy appeal. 3.72pH. A yield of 38hl/ha.
Drinking Window 2023 - 2034
Decanter
The 2020 Les Cruzelles is a serious, potent Lalande de Pomerol that is going to need a few years to soften. I wouldn't think of touching a bottle any time soon. Firm yet well-balanced tannins lend energy and drive. Black cherry, graphite, sage, mint, tobacco and incense add to an impression of virile intensity that gains vigour over time. This is such a gorgeous and inviting wine.
Antonio Galloni
Dark ruby in color, the wine quickly expresses its plum, wet earth, chocolate, spice and licorice character. Lush, supple, fresh and loaded with opulent, sweet, dark red fruits, this silky, sensual wine offers length and lift. 92-94
Jeff Leve
Black earth and clay with dark-berry and violet character. It’s medium-to full- bodied with creamy tannins and a fresh finish. More opulent than the 2019.
James Suckling
The 2020 Les Cruzelles has dispensed with some of its ostentation that I commented upon from barrel. This has become more "serious" with dark cherries, cassis and light violet scents. The menthol element has ebbed away during its time in barrel. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins. Wonderful purity, sleek and intense with veins of blue fruit towards the very satisfying and silky smooth finish. This has upped its game and represents one of the finest Les Cruzelles in recent years.
Neal Martin
Drink Date
2024 - 2039
Reviewed by Lisa Perrotti-Brown
The 2020 Les Cruzelles is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, coming from gravelly clay soil. The Merlot was picked from the 10th to the 15th September, and the Cabernet Franc was picked on the 16th of September. It has an alcohol of 14.5% and is aging in French oak barrels, 50% new. Deep garnet-purple in color, it bursts with impactful notes of plum preserves, blueberry compote and kirsch, plus suggestions of violets, mocha and pencil lead. The medium to full-bodied palate explodes with vibrant black fruits and fantastic freshness, framed by ripe, velvety tannins, finishing long and fragrant. 18,000 bottles are expected to be made.
Wine Advocate
(80% M, 20% CF; 14.5% ABV; 50% new)
A seductive nose of freshly truffle-tinged fruit; rich, lively, moderately tannic; long, warm, ripe, and juicy to taste, the tannin still slightly dry-edged, but with exceptional length. Also very good, this is a slightly more sinewy expression of Lalande de Pomerol, with more gravelly clay in the vineyard, as distinct from the sandy gravel of La Chenade 2026–38+.
Michael Schuster
80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc. Cask sample.
Aromatic nose and palate with lifted red-berry notes. Lively, juicy and smooth, the tannins tempered and fine. Some persistence but a touch dry on the finish. Joyful and balanced but probably for earlier drinking. (JL)80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc. Cask sample.
Aromatic nose and palate with lifted red-berry notes. Lively, juicy and smooth, the tannins tempered and fine. Some persistence but a touch dry on the finish. Joyful and balanced but probably for earlier drinking. (JL)
Jancis Robinson
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