Deze intense prachtwijn is hemels zacht, fijn en precies. Wat zeg ik: fenomenaal eigenlijk!
Neal Martin omschrijft deze “beautifully proportioned” Lalande de Pomerol correct als “yet another ridicolously fine wine to load up on, courtesy of Denis Durantou”. Met een score van 91-93 overtreft hij wijnen als Carruades de Lafite of Pavie Macquin, ook al kost deze charmante Merlot maar een fractie van de prijs… Load up!
Les Cruzelles 2015 is een assemblage van 90% Merlot en 10% Cabernet Franc op klei en kalkgronden. De Merlot werd binnengehaald tussen 15 en 22 september en de Cabernet Franc op 6 oktober. Elevage in 45% nieuwe eik.
IN DE PERS
93 Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate - robertparker.com (Maart 2018)
The 2015 Les Cruzelles has a fragrant, pure and winsome bouquet with joyful dark cherry and crushed strawberry aromas. It has clearly lost the bashfulness it showed in barrel. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, very well balanced with succulent, brambly red fruit mixed with truffle and a hint of black olive. This has really blossomed in barrel and frankly, it shows up a lot of Pomerol crus this vintage. Factor in the price that this was released en primeur and if you do not have a case in your cellar, well, too bad! Anticipated maturity: 2020 - 2030.
91-93 Neal Martin – The Wine Advocate Issue #224 – erobertparker.com (April 2016)
The 2015 Les Cruzelles is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc on gravel/clayey soil, picked from September 15-22 and October 6 respectively, then matured in 45% new oak. The new wood is seamlessly integrated into this Lalande-de-Pomerol, more broody and introspective than the La Chenade at the moment, but very well defined. The palate is beautifully proportioned with crisp tannin, a fine line of acidity, somehow gentle and understated on the finish, but very long in the mouth. Yet another ridiculously fine wine to load up on, courtesy of Denis Durantou. Drink: 2018-2035.
92-93 James Suckling – jamessuckling.com (Maart 2016)
This is so on it with velvety tannins and rich fruit. So much fun to taste. Generous and exotic.
92 Antonio Galloni - vinous.com (Februari 2018)
Les Cruzelles, Denis Durantou's Lalande de Pomerol, is once again impressive in 2015. There is notable volume and unctuousness to the super-ripe red cherry, espresso and mocha flavors. The 2015 needs another year or two to come together, but it is super-impressive. Les Cruzelles is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc from gravelly soils. The 2015 spent one year in French oak, 45% new. Drink 2019-2030.
89-92 Antonio Galloni – Vinous - vinous.com (April 2016)
The 2015 Lés Cruzelles is terrific. Bright, focused and also generous in the glass, the 2015 balances aromatic intensity with textural richness. Dark red cherry, violet, lavender, mint and wild flowers are all beautifully delineated throughout. There is a sense of energy here that is impossible to miss, while the finish is equally memorable. Lés Cruzelles is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc planted on gravel/clay soils. Harvest took place between September 15 and October 6.
16/20 Jancis Robinson – jancisrobinson.com (April 2016)
90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. 45% new oak. Crimson. Scented and compact nose. Savoury and supple. Very fine for a Lalande-de-Pomerol. Maybe flattering because it went into barrel before Chenade. GV? Drink: 2020-2026.
90-93 James Molesworth - Wine Spectator – winespectator.com (Maart 2016)
Silky and caressing in feel, with gentle rooibos tea, blood orange and raspberry notes that move gracefully, gaining depth through the finish.
90 James Lawther MW - Decanter Magazine – decanter.com (April 2016)
Merlot with 10% Cabernet Franc from clay-gravel soils. As consistent as ever this year. Spicy, dark fruit nose which continues on the palate. Super grain of tannin and mid-palate depth. Length and freshness on the finish. Drink: 2020-2028.
92 Tim Atkin – timatkin.com (April 2016)
Grown on a mixture of gravel and clay soils, this is often one of the bargains of the vintage. This is leafy, floral and complex with plummy plushness, fine tannins and deftly integrated oak. Very easy to drink. Drink: 2020-2028. Les CruzellesLes Cruzelles ligt op 1 km van het befaamde plateau van Pomerol, in de appellatie Lalande de Pomerol. Je ziet de wijngaard al van aan de achterdeur van l’Eglise Clinet. De eigenaar van deze mythische Pomerol, Denis Durantou, kocht deze wijngaard in 2000 herplantte hem naar zijn veeleisende verlangens. Les Cruzelles is steeds een sappige Pomerol-lookalike, ook al zorgt de bescheidener herkomst voor lagere prijzen. Deze hoge kwaliteit en lage prijs maakt hem tot een kleine l’Eglise Clinet voor beginners... Een grote aanrader dus!
100% Merlot in 50% nieuwe eik. Met de jongste wijnstokken maakt hij La Chenade. | 
