2021 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.
"The 2021 La Chenade is soft, supple and super-expressive right out of the gate. Silky tannins wrap around a core of red cherry fruit, plum, mocha, spice and new leather, with pretty floral and savory top notes that come alive with a bit of time in the glass. La Chenade is all Merlot this year, as the Franc was used for the Cruzelles. Drink 2024-2033." Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com