Chateau Les Cruzelles Lalande-de-Pomerol 2022

Chateau Les Cruzelles in Lalande de Pomerol is owned by Denis Durantou, who purchased Chateau Les Cruzelles in 2000 and is better known for owning one of the top estates in Pomerol, Chateau LEglise Clinet. Located in the commune of Neac, not far from his Pomerol estate, the terroir of Chateau Les Cruzelles shares many similarities in terroir with his Pomerol chateau, due to its rich, clay and gravel soil. The 10 hectare vineyard of Chateau Les Cruzelles is planted to 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc. This could be the highest proportion of Cabernet Franc in the appellation of Lalande de Pomerol. There is a second wine, Chateau La Chenade. The grapes for La Chenade comes from a combination of the estate’s young vines and the vines planted in the terroir with more sand and gravel, as well as from purchased fruit. La Chenade also includes more Cabernet Franc in the blend to give it more structure. La Chenade is aged in an average of 25% new, French oak barrels. On average, the production of Chateau Les Cruzelles is close to 1,200 cases of wine per vintage.

94 Points - James Suckling

A dense and flavorful Lalande de Pomerol with plums and opulence as well as firm and velvety tannins that give it length and intensity. Medium- to full-bodied with plenty of fruit and creamy texture. Merlot-driven. 80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc. Drink after 2027.

93 Points - Wine Spectator