Cruzelles - Lalande de Pomerol 2020

Alexandre Ma

93 / 100

byAlexandre Mathe3/15/2023

Vinous

93 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe2/24/2023

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.

Vinous

92 / 100

byNeal Martinthe2/15/2023

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.

Yvesbeck.wine

94 / 100

byYves Beckthe1/3/2023

Cruzelles se révèle toujours de manière timide, avec une pointe de réduction. C'est parfaitement
normal et cela nous rappelle que la réduction fait partie des droits fondamentaux du vin et que,
surtout, elle est l'assurance d'une vie après l'ouverture ! Au bout de quelques minutes, le bouquet ne
manque pas de souligner son aptitude à jouer sur plusieurs tableaux. De fines nuances de myrtilles
accompagnent des notes de réglisse puis de pivoine.
A l'image du nez, la bouche se révèle en crescendo. Les tannins ont un grain fin ainsi qu'une touche
suave idéalement complétée par une fine amertume qui plussoie et étire l'expression aromatique de
la finale. Un vin invitant, puissant, crémeux et harmonieux. Le charme, le tempérament et la finesse
forment une belle alliance. 2026-2042

Le Figaro

87-89 / 100

the6/2/2021

D'abord une amertume, puis le fruit débarque avec générosité avant de se laisser dépasser par des tannins qui s’estompent aussi vite qu’apparus afin de céder le pas à la fraîcheur, puis à l’acidité. C’est le jeu du chat et la souris, quand l’un arrive l’autre disparaît, et le gagnant reste cette pointe d’amertume de retour en finale.

Vinous

91-93 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe6/1/2021

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.

Vinous

90-92 / 100

byNeal Martinthe5/27/2021

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.

Decanter.com

94 / 100

byJane Ansonthe5/25/2021

Stands out from La Chenade in the vintage, with its velvet texture and a more serious sculpted feel overall. Tobacco and liquorice notes besides black cherry and raspberry fruits, good tension, serious but with Lalande-de-Pomerol unfussy appeal. 3.72pH. A yield of 38hl/ha.

The Wine Cellar Insider

92-94 / 100

byJeff Levethe5/21/2021

Dark ruby in color, the wine quickly expresses its plum, wet earth, chocolate, spice and licorice character. Lush, supple, fresh and loaded with opulent, sweet, dark red fruits, this silky, sensual wine offers length and lift. 92-94

Wine Advocate

91-93 / 100

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe5/20/2021

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.

Anthocyanes

93-95 / 100

byYohan Castaingthe5/11/2021

De belles notes boisées, légèrement grillées et toastées, avec des notes florales et de fruits frais très élégantes. Bouche charnue, juteuse à souhait avec une trame tannique longue et subtile. Aérien en finale et sur l'allonge avec une légère touche boisée racée. Très beau potentiel de garde. Un Les Cruzelles structurant.

My Bettane + Desseauve

93-94 / 100

by Bettane & Desseauvethe5/7/2021

Jamessuckling.com

92-93 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/25/2021

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.