Tasting Note:
This is the first vintage since the untimely death of Denis Durantou. His daughters, Noémie and Constance have taken the reins, ably assisted by Denis’ long standing collaborator Olivier Gautrat. Noémie sums up the vintage as “Green buds in February, constant rain in spring, the aridity of summer and a mid-September harvest: wines of freshness and brightness, like a dense and colorful garden, vivacity, fruits and flowers in the rain.” Her first full vintage in charge has been a huge success. We’re not sure our sample was representative – this usually ranks as one of the best value wines of the right bank, but this was a little underwhelming. Soft and simple, it lacks the substance and intensity we’d expect. Supple and easy going, we expected much more from this Lalande de Pomerol. 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, aged in 30% new oak.
“The 2020 La Chenade is rich, sumptuous and super-expressive right out of the gate. All of the exuberance of the year comes through loud and clear. A burst of black cherry, plum, mocha, licorice, lavender and spice infuses the Chenade with tons of complexity. Broad and creamy, with fine balance, the Chenade is showing so well today. The combination of fruit density and energy is compelling. 92/100” Antonio Galloni, Vinous
"Sit back and enjoy the life and sap through this wine, with earthy wild blackberry notes that I really enjoy. No need to wait too long, enjoyably sculpted if a little concentrated in its tannic sign-off. 3.72pH. A yield of 38hl/ha. La Chenade contains a fairly high amount of young vines, which meant it was more affected than Les Cruzelles by the dry summer, but it has been exceptionally well handled. Drinking Window 2023 - 2032." 91/100 - Jane Anson, Decanter.com