The Charm - Lalande de Pomerol 2012

Vinous

91 / 100

the1/31/2016

Denis Durantou's 2012 La Chenade is dark, supple and inviting, with plenty of sweet black cherry, plum, licorice, leather and smoke flavors. Ample and layered throughout, the 2012 is an excellent choice for drinking now and over the next handful of years. La Chenade is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc taken from parcels planted on gravel in Durantou's Lalande de Pomerol estate.

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

87-89 / 100

byIan D'Agatathe6/30/2013

(80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc; 30% new oak):  Vivid ruby-red.  Strawberry, milk chocolate and floral aromas lead to sweet, dense red and black fruit flavors complicated by cocoa and sweet spices.  A lovely wine with sneaky concentration, this starts out like a merlot and ends on a cabernet franc note.  The merlot was harvested from September 26 to October 5, and the cabernet franc on October 6.  Made by Denis Durantou of L'Eglise-Clinet from vineyards that are only six years old, this one should turn out to be a big success.

timatkin.com

93 / 100

byTim Atkin MWthe6/30/2013

Denis Durantou’s more accessible Lalande de Pomerol isn’t far behind the amazing Les Cruzelles in the value for money stakes this year. It’s a quintessence of Merlot, with a lift of leafy Cabernet Franc adding a touch of graphite. Sensuous and balanced, this is delicious to drink right now. Drink: 2018-26

Wine Advocate

90-92 / 100

byNeal Martinthe5/6/2013

The La Chenade was picked between 26th September and 5th October, the Cabernet Franc the following day. A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc (50% new oak) it has a ripe, quite generous bouquet with dark cherries, a touch of cassis and iodine with fine definition. The palate is medium-bodied with fine definition. I really appreciate the nervosité in the wine – great freshness with fine tannins and beautifully interwoven new oak on the finish. Seductive. Tasted April 2013.

Wine Spectator

89-92 / 100

byJames Molesworththe4/30/2013

Shows drive and energy, with racy linzer torte and blackberry fruit stitched with anise and bergamot notes. Delivers good cut through the finish. Very solid. —J.M.

matthewjukes.com

16.5 / 20

byMatthew Jukesthe4/30/2013

Jancis Robinson

16 / 20

byJulia Harding MWthe4/29/2013

(16+ points) Drink 2015-2020
80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, on gravel. Deep cherry red. Lifted cherry fruit. Lots of sweet and sour cherry on the palate too. Really juicy and bright and full of life. A little dry and hard in the middle but should come round to something more harmonious. (JH)

The Wine Cellar Insider

86-88 / 100

byJeff Levethe4/26/2013

Blending 80% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Franc, the wine is packed with fresh black cherries. 86-88 Pts

My Bettane + Desseauve

15,5 / 20

the4/25/2013

Générosité avec des arômes de fruit noir et de pruneau, corps plein de sève, charnu avec un tannin enrobé. Encore d’un bloc.

Jean-Marc QUARIN

15,25 / 20

byJean-Marc Quarinthe4/9/2013

80 % de merlot et 20 % de cabernet franc produisent ici un vin au nez un peu discret, mais très pur, à la bouche particulièrement fruitée, assez dense et même noble en finale. Persistance finement tramée. C'est bon !

Jamessuckling.com

88-89 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/4/2013

This is very long for the appellation with a chocolate and berry character. Medium body with very good tannins and juicy finish. Fun to taste. 80% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Franc.