2016 Les Cruzelles (Lalande-de-Pomerol)

The 2016 Les Cruzelles, Denis Durantou`s second estate in Lalande-de-Pomerol, is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc picked 22-29 September and on 6 October, respectively. The yield is 40 hectoliters per hectare, and it is matured in 50% new oak. It has a very fragrant bouquet with perfumed red cherry and crushed strawberry fruit infused with minerals, like the La Chenade, very harmonious and detailed. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy re This was a little tighter and more serious, then we changed samples to a younger one which is more expressive, and you feel the juice catching the tannins in that wonderful way where there are two tracks happening - the top frame of fruits and wet stones, and then the juice bubbling underneath, filling out the mid-palate. Love this. The Merlot was picked between 22nd and 29th September while the Cab Franc was picked on 6th October. 92 points

The 2016 Lés Cruzelles is a more serious, structured wine than the Chenade. Beams of tannin give the wine its sense of energy and drive. Blue and purplish hued stone fruits, licorice, lavender, menthol and graphite are nicely delineated. Far from an easygoing wine, the 2016 will need a year or two in bottle to be at its best. I was not at all surprised when proprietor Denis Durantou told me he planned to give the 2016 an extra month or two in barrel. The wine will probably need all of that added time in barrel to fully come together. 90-93 points