2020 Les Cruzelles

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Tasting Notes
Stands out from La Chenade in the vintage, with its velvet texture and a more serious sculpted feel overall. Tobacco and liquorice notes besides black cherry and raspberry fruits, good tension, serious but with Lalande-de-Pomerol unfussy appeal. 3.72pH. A yield of 38hl/ha.
Critic Scores
Average Score
James Suckling
James Lawther MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The 2020 Les Cruzelles is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, coming from gravelly clay soil. The Merlot was picked from the 10th to the 15th September, and the Cabernet Franc was picked on the 16th of September. It has an alcohol of 14.5% and is aging in French oak barrels, 50% new. Deep garnet-purple in color, it bursts with impactful notes of plum preserves, blueberry compote and kirsch, plus suggestions of violets, mocha and pencil lead. The medium to full-bodied palate explodes with vibrant black fruits and fantastic freshness, framed by ripe, velvety tannins, finishing long and fragrant. 18,000 bottles are expected to be made.
Black earth and clay with dark-berry and violet character. It's medium-to full- bodied with creamy tannins and a fresh finish. More opulent than the 2019.
80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc. Cask sample. Aromatic nose and palate with lifted red-berry notes. Lively, juicy and smooth, the tannins tempered and fine. Some persistence but a touch dry on the finish. Joyful and balanced but probably for earlier drinking.