2018 Château les Cruzelles, Lalande de Pomerol, Bordeaux
Critics reviews
Neal Martin, vinous.com (January 2021)
Antinio Galloni, vinous.com (March 2021)
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate (March 2021)
Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com (March 2021)
Jane Anson (November 2020)
About this WINE
Ch. les Cruzelles
Ch. les Cruzelles was a personal project of the late, great Denis Durantou – best known as the brilliant winemaker at Ch. l’Eglise Clinet in Pomerol. This property is not in Pomerol proper, but slightly further north, in the lesser-known Right Bank appellation of Lalande-de-Pomerol.
The 11-hectare vineyard lies adjacent to the famous Pomerol plateau, and benefits from the same clay soils. Along with neighbouring La Chénade (on the lower reaches of the same slopes), this estate was driven by Durantou’s passion for terroir. Through these estates, he could explore and demonstrate the potential of these impressive sites – which are still remarkably unknown, so offer great value for money.
Cab.Sauvignon Blend
Cabernet Sauvignon lends itself particularly well in blends with Merlot. This is actually the archetypal Bordeaux blend, though in different proportions in the sub-regions and sometimes topped up with Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot.
In the Médoc and Graves the percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend can range from 95% (Mouton-Rothschild) to as low as 40%. It is particularly suited to the dry, warm, free- draining, gravel-rich soils and is responsible for the redolent cassis characteristics as well as the depth of colour, tannic structure and pronounced acidity of Médoc wines. However 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wines can be slightly hollow-tasting in the middle palate and Merlot with its generous, fleshy fruit flavours acts as a perfect foil by filling in this cavity.
In St-Emilion and Pomerol, the blends are Merlot dominated as Cabernet Sauvignon can struggle to ripen there - when it is included, it adds structure and body to the wine. Sassicaia is the most famous Bordeaux blend in Italy and has spawned many imitations, whereby the blend is now firmly established in the New World and particularly in California and Australia.
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Description
This is part of our January 2023 sale. The price shown above includes a saving of 10%. Prices are valid till January 24th, apply to 75cl bottles only and exclude BBX listings.
This 11-hectare estate was a personal project of the late Denis Durantou of l’Eglise-Clinet. Located in the lesser-known Lalande-de-Pomerol appellation, the château is adjacent to the famous Pomerol plateau – and benefits from the same clay soils. The 2018 vintage has deep, brooding aromas of damsons, blackberries and black cherries, punctuated by a light floral lift and a subtle twist of raspberry leaf, black tea and allspice. This is rich, silky and succulent, yet with beautiful precision. The tannins will allow the wine to age elegantly.
Drink 2021 - 2040
Georgina Haacke, Wine Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd (June 2021)
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