Château Les Cruzelles, Lalande de Pomerol, 2023
"The finesse and architecture of the 2019 with the fruit and flesh of 2018" is how Noémie Durantou explains 2023. This was our first appointment of the week and it certainly raised our expectations. The entire range is exceptional. Lalande de Pomerol was very homogenous with huge, compact bunches. The quality was such that most plots went into Les Cruzelles, and it's easy to see why. This is an exceptional Cruzelles, a wine that really impressed the J&B team for its shape and tannic charm. Opening with a really attractive, fragrant nose. This is packed with gorgeous mulberry fruit, dark mineral notes interspersed with bright strawberries. There's a lovely silky core of fruit enveloped by velvety, ripe tannins. A gorgeous Cruzelles.
critic reviews
A touch reserved at first, emphasis on black tea, pomegranate, slate, pencil lead character at this early stage, great quality, give it a few years to really soften up, excellent quality, love the soft spices and the brambled autumnal fruits. 55% new oak for ageing. Harvest September 1 to 18. 42hl/h yield. Noëmie Durantou winemaker. Tasted twice, and this really is a slam-dunk, one to look out for.
The 2023 Les Cruzelles, the Lalande de Pomerol from the Durantou family, aged in 50% new oak, has a more mineral-driven bouquet compared to La Chenade. Here, 20% Cabernet Franc lends another dimension. The palate is medium-bodied with very supple tannins, fleshy with gentle grip. Black pepper and sage emerge toward the finish that has real intent and purpose. As such, I might afford this two or three years in bottle.
A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, Les Cruzelles 2023 is deep garnet-purple in color. After a couple of swirls, vibrant notes of plum preserves, blackberry pie, and boysenberry preserves leap from the glass, followed by nuances of red roses, licorice, and tapenade. The medium to full-bodied palate is charged with energetic black fruit and mineral flavors, supported by nice, ripe, rounded tannins and seamless acidity, finishing long and wonderfully pure.
The 2023 Les Cruzelles initially presents a slightly oaky aroma, which transitions to a more floral essence upon aeration. Then it evokes aromas of dark wild berries, spices and mulberries. Medium-bodied, round and charming, it has velvety tannins and a dense, elegant mid-palate, with a long, rich and fruity finish. It's a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc matured in 55% new oak.