The La Chenade, Denis Durantou’s wine from Lalande de Pomerol, is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc raised in 30% new oak. This nose is tightly coiled, not as immediate as the Saintayme tasted alongside, but gradually finds its “groove” to offer notes of fresh cranberry, wild strawberry and just a mote of wet sand. The palate is medium-bodied with lovely balance and poise. There is real minerality to this wine, great tension and an exuberant, complex, fresh finish that will leave a smile on your face. Outstanding in barrel, equally so in bottle. Tasted November 2012.

Lots of iron, fresh wood and blueberries. Some strawberries, menthol and eucalyptus. Full and quite intense on the palate with juicy acidity and good length. Nice texture but firm tannins need to be resolved over time. Try in 2016.
-www.jamessuckling.com, 'Tasting Report: 2010's Greatness Across The Board in Bordeaux', 17 Feb 2013

Deep garnet colored, the 2010 La Chenade slips sensuously from the glass with hints of raspberry pie, baked blackberries and chocolate-covered cherries plus hints of fragrant earth and camphor. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is coated with savory flavors and loads of black fruit sparks, framed by chewy tannins and finishing long and juicy.

(an 80/20 blend of merlot and cabernet franc) Bright ruby-red. Fruity, expressive aromas of dark plum, raspberry jam and herbs. Similar flavors on the palate are complicated by hints of coffee and minerals. Finishes smoothly tannic, satisfying and long. This very serious wine is made by Denis Durantou, owner of L'Eglise-Clinet.

Tasted blind. Deep garnet with brick rim. Ripe, sweet and spicy with bags of mulberry and blueberry fruit even though there are also the more mature tertiary aromas. Rich, beefy, deep and full bodied. Tannins still very firm on the finish. (JH)