La Chenade, Lalande de Pomerol, 2014

Denis Durantou is famed from his wonderful Pomerol estate, Chateau L'Eglise Clinet, but he has spread his wings to St Emilion, Lalande de Pomerol and Castillon and it is perhaps in these estates that he has best demonstrated his Midas touch. Year after year, the likes of Le Chenade and Montlandrie have topped our best value poll, and now we are seeing Saintayme and Cruzelles there too. Produced from 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc the 2014 La Chenade is more mineral and complex than the Saintayme with hints of earth, cedar and pretty fruits. The finish is more about dark, blackcurrant fruit and gravelly minerals. There is nice tension here – another highly impressive Chenade.