2015 La Chenade, Lalande de Pomerol
A stone’s throw from Pomerol in Lalande de Pomerol, the hugely popular La Chenade is a steal at this price. An 80/20 blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with dark juicy fruit, soft supple tannins and a gorgeous mouthfeel make this a real crowd-pleaser.
Up until 2019 the late great Denis Durantou was the winemaker here. Denis took over his family property Eglise Clinet in the early 1980s and turned it into one of Pomerol’s superstars before turning his hand to making wines in the surrounding appellations. These are now some of the best value wines in all of Bordeaux with incredibly consistent quality, plush ripe fruit and very smooth tannins.
"Denis Durantou's 2015 La Chenade is just as delicious from bottle as it was from barrel. The 20% Cabernet Franc gives the flavors lift and nuance to play off the bright red berry fruit. Hints of tobacco, mint, crushed flowers, licorice and spices add lovely shades of nuance. I very much like the energy and overall tension here. Drink 2018-2027." Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com