AJ | Is this a touch deeper than la Chenade? It seems so ... though a dark rather than opaque wine, and La Chenade clings to the sides of the glass with more density. The aromatics of Les Cruzelles are slighty fresher and more vital than La Chenade, with slightly more purity and definition, but it shares la Chenade's freshness, crispness, healthiness and cleanliness -- a pure run of delectably aromatic fresh Merlot fruits from a place where Merlot is very happy. On the palate it is livelier and more searching than La Chenade, and there is more architecture to the fruit, too. La Chenade seems more sinewy and raisiny alongside it, even though in isolation it doesn't have these characters, and La Chenade is more concentrated and has better tannins. Gosh, what a terrific pair of 2021s! I can't wait to see them in a beautifully ripe vintage like 22. Surely two of the finest Lalande properties nowadays, and wines whose quality asks questions of many lesser Pomerols. Delicious and impressive. Drink Dates: 2027 - 2035. 90
SF | Cruzelles, like Chenade, is made by the Durantau family in Lalande de Pomerol. A fascinating comparison, with both wines fully respectful of this perhaps underestimated terroir which is, after all,not far from L'Eglise Clinet, geographically at least. The purity of fruit is certainly shared, with the Cruzelles perhaps more obviously oaked and a little more robust and energetic of structure. The fark fruit segues magnificently with the grip of the finely grained tannins and the alcohol is seamlessly integrated. Impressive length and a spicy subplot to add fascination. Drink Dates: 2029 - 2037. 90