The 2014 La Chenade, a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, has a straightforward but appealing bouquet with ample dark cherries, bergamot tea and a touch of dried flowers. The palate is medium-bodied with a tightly-knit structure. I appreciate the depth here, the focus and finesse, a wine that threatened to blossom in bottle... and it has. Given the market prices for this Lalande-de-Pomerol, Denis Durantou's 2014 comes highly recommended.

The 2014 La Chenade, Denis Durantou's entry-level wine from Lalande de Pomerol, is quite silky and expressive, with plenty of nuance to match its mid-weight, succulent personality. Sweet red cherry, plum, mint and spice are laced into the inviting, pretty finish. There is plenty to like here. The blend is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc.

Tasted blind. Meat and two veg on the nose. Lots of life and freshness. Quite forward aromatically. Though admittedly there are still lots of tannins. Clean and minty – fresh as a mountain stream. (JR)