Chateau Les Cruzelles - Les Cruzelles 2014

Wine Advocate # 188. Apr 2010. Reviewer : Robert Parker. A brilliant effort from proprietor Denis Durantou, this wine (80% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon) hit 14.5% natural alcohol. Rich mocha and black cherry notes are followed by a powerful, lavishly rich, almost extravagant style of wine that is almost atypical for Lalande de Pomerol, yet the purity, richness, and density are all there. Drink it over the next 10-15 years. (Tasted two times.) Drink: 2010 - 2025.

May/Jun 10. By Ian D'Agata. (a blend of 90% merlot and 10% cabernet franc) Bright light ruby. Pomegranate, redcurrant and a whiff of watermelon on the floral, perfumed nose. Enters silky and graceful, with ripe redcurrant and strawberry flavors nicely lifted by hints of white pepper and mint. Finishes pure and persistent. Also from the Durantou stable of wines, this was harvested a week earlier than La Chenade as the clay-rich soil here has a higher sand content.

Very rich and broad and opulent. Very hot and exaggerated. Rather rustic. Concentrated. Awkward. Drink 2016-2022

Updated: April 15, 2010. Blueberry and loads of darks fruit on the nose. Full-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and silky tannins. Juicy finish. ?J.S.

Chris Kissack, thewinedoctor.com, (March 2010), 16.5-17.5+/20pts - "From the Église-Clinet stable, this is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Picked September 15th - 28th. A very dark, backward style of fruit here, with a very polished entry, supple and harmonious. The tannins come through but they are gentle in the context of the vintage and there is an elegant, well rounded feel to it. Good substance too though, gentle but appealing. Freshness here. Savoury and no shortage of appeal, this could be very good value?