Ch. les Cruzelles 2015

A few months ago I was made aware of Ch. les Cruzelles by a merchant who was offering the 2019 in bond. The vineyard was owned by Denis Durantou, the maker of l’Eglise-Clinet, and lies a kilometre over the appellation border in Lalande de Pomerol. The 2019 was the last vintage that Denis oversaw before his death. He had been very excited by it, and as I have a penchant for right-bank clarets I thought I’d buy a few in the hope that the quality might reflect that of the grander wine in a Roteboeuf/Cambes way.

Of course, I then decided that I simply couldn’t wait for the 2019 to mature, and went in search of earlier vintages. I found a merchant in Bordeaux selling 2015, 2017 and 2018 and ordered a mixture to be delivered while I’m in France. They arrived today, and I couldn’t resist opening a 2015 immediately.

It’s a typical right-bank Merlot-Cabernet Franc mix, and most indications are that the proportions are about 90/10. A spicy, fruity nose and red/black fruity taste. Then a much tarrier, slightly astringent end. Definitely a wine of two halves! There is noticeable oak, but not offensively so (and I offend easily when it comes to oak.) So probably better value than Domaine de Cambes, but not a Roc beater (it’s only half the price though.) And still early days for it – I look forward to seeing the various vintages develop. Not to mention the 2016s that I’m picking up on the Belgian border tomorrow to complete the run!