Les Cruzelles 2018

A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc from the Lalande de Pomerol appellation, the 2018 Château Les Cruzelles offers a complex, almost Pomerol-like nose of ripe red and blue fruits, leafy tobacco, damp earth, and chocolate. With subtle background oak, medium to full body, and a concentrated, focused style on the palate, it's another head-turning wine from Denis Durantou that's well worth your time and money. it's going to benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and keep for over a decade.

Score: 93

Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com Maturity: 2023 - 2033 19 July 2021

This is produced by Denis Durantou of Château L’Eglise Clinet. The 2018 Les Cruzelles is blended of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc with 40% new oak and 14.5% alcohol. Deep purple-black in color, it features slightly reduced notions of asphalt and tires over a core of warm red and black plums, blackberry pie and boysenberries with hints of fruitcake, incense and potpourri. Full-bodied, rich and packed with perfumed black fruit, it has a velvety texture and seamless freshness, finishing long.

Score: 91 - 93

Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 23 April 2019

A pretty, soft wine, offering cherry, berry and lightly stewed-fruit character with chocolate and coffee undertones. It’s medium-bodied with round tannins and a juicy finish. Already delicious. Drink or hold.

Score: 91

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Maturity: 2021+ 03 March 2021

The 2018 Les Cruzelles is another significant wine in this range from the Durantou family. It emerges from the oldest vines the family's Lalande de Pomerol property planted on clay/gravel soils. Dark fruit, graphite, sage, menthol, dried herbs and licorice add to an impression of virile intensity. The tannins are pretty serious, just as they were from barrel. A few years of patience will be hugely rewarded.

Score: 93

Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com 01 March 2021

This is more concentrated and powerful that the Cruzelles, even though the two estates are right next door, showing its cooler clay terroir in the weight of the tannins, and the body of the wine just a little bigger. Again, it’s highly enjoyable with the personality differences clearer than in many years. Harvest took place between 18 September and 28 September. 40% new oak was used. A yield of 40hl/ha.

Score: 90

Jane Anson, Decanter.com Maturity: 2024-2038 15 April 2019