2019 La Chenade (Lalande-de-Pomerol)

Sweet, carefully extracted and poised blackberry and brambled fruits with gentle smoked oak notes and fresh acidities that cut through the heat of the summer. Delicate overall, this is an unforced and highly enjoyable wine. 91 points

Produced by Denis Darantou and family of Château L’Eglise-Clinet, this is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2019 La Chenade has a little reduction to begin, soon breaking through to reveal notes of raspberry pie, baked plums and boysenberries with hints of dusty soil, charcoal and wild sage. Medium-bodied, the palate is juicy and refreshing, with a light chewiness to the tannins and bags of freshness, finishing savory. 88-90 points

The 2019 La Chenade in Lalande-de-Pomerol was picked between 18 and 26 September and matured in 30% new oak. Unlike Durantou`s fellow Lalande-de-Pomerol, this is predominantly red fruit rather than black with exuberant raspberry and cranberry, almost pastille-like. The palate is extremely well balanced, maybe with a bit more structure and weight than Les Cruzelles. The finish is spicy thanks to a liberal dash of cracked black pepper. Wonderful, as usual. 91-93 points

Round, forward and clearly for early drinking. Meaty, savoury edge to the fruit but aromatic freshness as well. Palate juicy with light but fine tannins. No great complexity but plenty of simple pleasure. 16 points