2021 Les Cruzelles, Lalande de Pomerol
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.
Les Cruzelles is just a stone's throw away from Eglise Clinet in Lalande de Pomerol with the same gravel-clay soils that you find on the Pomerol plateau. An excellent wine, as good as many Pomerols but at a fraction of the cost.
"The 2021 Les Cruzelles is just as impressive as it was en primeur. The blend is 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc, with the Franc very much front and center. Dried herbs, tobacco, cedar, new leather, menthol and licorice race across the palate. Deep and layered, with tons of dynamic energy, the 2021 is impeccably done. Drink 2024-2036." Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com