2025 Les Cruzelles (Lalande-de-Pomerol)

The 2025 Les Cruzelles is another stellar wine in this range from sisters Noemie and Constance Durantou. There`s a bit more clay in this section of the vineyard, which comes through in the wine`s broad textures and darker fruit profile vis-a-vis La Chenade. Black cherry, lavender, cloves, menthol and licorice add to an impression of somber gravitas. This will need time in the cellar, as the tannins are formidable. 92-94 points

The 2025 Les Cruzelles was picked on August 29 for the Merlot, and September 8 and 12 for the Cabernet Franc, and was raised in 55% new oak. This is neat and tidy on the nose, brisk blackberry, blueberry and violet scents that gain vigour in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with rounded tannins that seem to make this Lalande-de-Pomerol just `glide`. Precise and delivering perfect acidity, this is a beautifully crafted Les Cruzelles that lingers in the mouth, white pepper on the aftertaste. 91-93 points