Château Les Cruzelles, Lalande de Pomerol,

Deep ruby colour with aromatic depths. Toasted oak, liqourice root, peach pit, tobacco, cocoa bean, blueberry. Delicate, well structured, fingers of peony on the finish, still with the reserve of the vintage that means the texture is less fleshy than in recent vintages of this wine. One to look out for, no need to wait too long, one of the few that I feel has improved over ageing. 50% new oak. Harvest September 23 and 27.

The 2021 Les Cruzelles is composed of 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc, aging in 50% new oak. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, it leaps with notes of wild blueberries, fresh raspberries, and redcurrant, followed by hints of tar and wild sage. Medium-bodied, the palate is lively with a lot of energy, featuring rounded tannins and bags of crunchy red fruits, finishing with an herbal lift.

The 2021 Les Cruzelles has an attractive nose, the addition of the Cabernet Franc usually used in La Chenade imparting greater complexity: mainly black fruit, tar and graphite, with more red plum and mocha notes percolating through with time. The palate is medium-bodied with a fine-boned entry and good acidity. Harmonious, with admirable weight on the finish endowed with a touch of sour cherry, this constitutes an elegant and poised Les Cruzelles that will mature well in bottle.