Château Les Cruzelles, Lalande de Pomerol,

Les Cruzelles 2022 is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc and it has a deep garnet-purple color. It requires a little swirling to unlock notes of licorice, tilled soil, and Sichuan pepper, over a core of plum preserves, baked blackberries, and raspberry leaves. The medium to full-bodied palate is soft, elegantly styled, and graceful, with just enough fruit and a savory finish.

The 2022 Les Cruzelles was picked between 1 and 12 September and matured in 50% new oak. This has plenty of fruité on the nose: small red cherries, redcurrant and wild strawberry fruit, a touch of cedar in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with wonderful definition and mineralité, dark fruit, hints of black tea and spices, really harmonious and sappy on the finish. Possibly the best Les Cruzelles that I have tasted at this stage and sure to be an unbeatable value-for-money.