Chateau Les Cruzelles 2023

JAMES SUCKLING: "This is one of the best young Lalande de Pomerols I have had. It is very deep and complex on the palate, with pure fruit, spice and chocolate. Lovely tannins, too. 80% merlot and 20% cabernet sauvignon."

DECANTER: "A Lalande-de-Pomerol that offers not only pleasure but sophistication, as this wine delivers not only ripe fresh red and black fruit but also beguiling wet stone minerality - in spades - along with minty lift from the Cabernet Franc in the blend. component. I also admire the juicy mid palate (a fleshy wine) and a long finish marked by damson and seashell freshness. The ageing in 55% new oak will only broaden the palate. I am a buyer - and you should be, too."

LISA PERROTTI-BROWN: "A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, Les Cruzelles 2023 is deep garnet-purple in color. After a couple of swirls, vibrant notes of plum preserves, blackberry pie, and boysenberry preserves leap from the glass, followed by nuances of red roses, licorice, and tapenade. The medium to full-bodied palate is charged with energetic black fruit and mineral flavors, supported by nice, ripe, rounded tannins and seamless acidity, finishing long and wonderfully pure."

VINUM: "Expressiv, würzig, reine Frucht, Menthol; gradlinig am Gaumen, dicht, knackig, pud riges Tannin, viel Frische, eindrückliche Länge. Ein Wein mit Rasse, kann reifen."

JEB DUNNUCK: "Coming from slightly more clay soils than the La Chenade, the 2023 Château Les Cruzelles is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc that was raised in 55% new oak. It's another rocking little Pomerol look-alike offering terrific finesse and elegance, as well as plenty of ripeness. Ripe red and black fruits, tobacco, and spice are just some of its nuances, and it's balanced, has fine tannins, and outstanding length."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Flowers, plums, cocoa, and black cherries show easily in the nose. Medium-bodied, elegant, and fresh, with energy, refinement, layers of sweet, cocoa-infused plums. The finish is creamy, vibrant, and fruity. You can enjoy this Pomerol look-alike on release if you prefer creamy, youthful fruits, or age it for its secondary characteristics. The wine blends 80% Merlot, with 20% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2026-2038."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The 2023 Les Cruzelles initially presents a slightly oaky aroma, which transitions to a more floral essence upon aeration. Then it evokes aromas of dark wild berries, spices and mulberries. Medium-bodied, round and charming, it has velvety tannins and a dense, elegant mid-palate, with a long, rich and fruity finish. It's a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc matured in 55% new oak."