2025 La Chenade (Lalande-de-Pomerol)

Before tasting, I wondered if this particular wine would take on the dry character of the vintage more than the others in the Durantou range, and for sure you have a little more dried fruit character here, with fig and touches of prune, but it is beautifully balanced and lifted by nectarine pit and fennel. Good quality, no need to wait. 40% new oak. Noemie Durantou winemaker. 90 points

The 2025 La Chenade is fabulous. Beautifully perfumed and sumptuous, La Chenade is drop-dead gorgeous. The purity of the flavors is just remarkable. Silky tannins add to an impression of total finesse. Sweet red cherry, pomegranate, rose petal and a discreet touch of oak linger on the refined, resonant finish. What a delight. 91-93 points

The 2025 La Chenade was picked on September 3 and 12 for the Merlot and Cabernet Franc respectively and is aged in 40% new oak. This has more intensity and fruit concentration compared with its stablemate, Saintayme, blackcurrant and raspberry, a touch of iodine coming through with time. Fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with svelte tannins, impressive depth for a Lalande-de-Pomerol, though elegant and harmonious. Just a dash of black pepper towards the finish, a classy offering of a wine that consistently ranks among the best values in Bordeaux. 90-92 points