The 2020 Les Cruzelles is a serious, potent Lalande de Pomerol that is going to need a few years to soften. I wouldn't think of touching a bottle any time soon. Firm yet well-balanced tannins lend energy and drive. Black cherry, graphite, sage, mint, tobacco and incense add to an impression of virile intensity that gains vigour over time. This is such a gorgeous and inviting wine. 02/2023 The 2020 Les Cruzelles is a wine of tremendous depth and power. This part of the vineyard, planted on gravel and clay, along with the pedigree of the fruit, yields a Lalande de Pomerol built on textural resonance and power. Black cherry, spice, chocolate and menthol all come together effortlessly. This potent, virile wine has a ton to offer.

The 2020 Les Cruzelles has dispensed with some of its ostentation that I commented upon from barrel. This has become more "serious" with dark cherries, cassis and light violet scents. The menthol element has ebbed away during its time in barrel. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins. Wonderful purity, sleek and intense with veins of blue fruit towards the very satisfying and silky smooth finish. This has upped its game and represents one of the finest Les Cruzelles in recent years. 02/2023 The 2020 Les Cruzelles offers plenty of brambly red fruit on the nose, where touches of undergrowth, menthol and cassis unfold with time. Compared to the La Chenade, there is a little more showiness here. The palate is medium-bodied with superb acidity that cuts through the graphite-tinged black fruit. Displaying wonderful focus and energy from start to finish, this is a classy Lalande de Pomerol that should give 12–15 years of drinking pleasure. Superb.

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.