Combine the consummate winemaking skill of Denis Durantou (of Eglise Clinet fame) with a glorious vintage such as 2016 and you have an unmissable opportunity.
His stable of wines all have wonderful integrity and individuality. They are brilliant examples of the sought after yet modestly priced red wines produced in Pomerol and St Emilion’s satellites. They are often referred to by leading critics as ‘One of the Gironde’s greatest bargains’.
Ch Les Cruzelles Lalande de Pomerol
The exceptional Les Cruzelles, visible from the back door of L’Eglise Clinet, is consistently voted one of the best value wines in Bordeaux. Located just 1km away from the Pomerol plateau, this is a superstar 2016. Antonio Galloni has selected it to be part of his ’30 top value clarets of 2016′ giving it a stellar 90-93 points its highest scoring ever. Neal Martin sums up well, ‘Cellar space should be made for this sensual and engaging wine, and if prices follow their trend as in previous years, it could be one of the Right Bank’s outstanding values.’
Ch Montlandrie Côtes de Castillon
Located in the Côtes de Castillon, just east of Saint Emilion, Montlandrie’s first vintage was 2009 and this is certainly a property to watch. In 2016 it received some top plaudits from the critics, including a score of 91-93 from Neal Martin which sees it vying for a place alongside many of the top names in Bordeaux. ‘This has a more broody bouquet than the two Lalande-de-Pomerols, just a touch of leafiness originating from the Cabernet Sauvignon that enhances the complexity… Superb. Expect this to land towards the top of my banded score once in bottle.’ NM
La Chenade Lalande de Pomerol
La Chenade has been blessed in 2016. A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, it has a gorgeous red fruit profile. On the palate it is medium-bodied and elegant, with silky tannins and integrated acidity which give a wonderfully fresh and lifted finish. Neal Martin gives it an impressive 90-92 points and sums up beautifully, “Very elegant, very suave, very promising.”
With scores from the critics rivalling the great names and prices per bottle between just £12 and £18 these look like a smart buy and guarantee future drinking pleasure.
Ch Les Cruzelles Lalande de Pomerol 2016
£105.00 per 6 bottles IB
£110.00 per 3 magnums IB
£99.00 per single double magnum IB
90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. This is always a good bet from the Denis Durantou cellar. A spicy fruit nose is supported by compact tannin layers and ripe berry fullness on the palate. Drink 2021-2030. 91-93 points, Goedhuis & Co
It has a very fragrant bouquet with perfumed red cherry and crushed strawberry fruit infused with minerals, like the La Chenade, very harmonious and detailed. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy red berry fruit, crisp acidity, a little spicier than the La Chenade and perhaps with a touch more persistence on the finish. Cellar space should be made for this sensual and engaging wine, and if prices follow their trend as in previous years, it could be one of the Right Bank’s outstanding values. 91-93 points, Neal Martin
The 2016 Lés Cruzelles is a more serious, structured wine than the Chenade. Beams of tannin give the wine its sense of energy and drive. Blue and purplish hued stone fruits, licorice, lavender, menthol and graphite are nicely delineated. Far from an easygoing wine, the 2016 will need a year or two in bottle to be at its best. I was not at all surprised when Denis Durantou told me he planned to give the 2016 an extra month or two in barrel. The wine will probably need all of that added time in barrel to fully come together. 90-93 points, Antonio Gallloni
Ch Montlandrie Côtes de Castillon 2016
£92.00 per 6 bottles IB
£97.00 per 3 magnums IB
£90.00 per single double magnum IB
Today Côtes de Castillon can stand proudly alongside its more famous neighbour St Emilion, and this fine property is a wonderful example of its quality potential. Shining purple colour, lovely bright juicy loganberry, pristine fruit aromas. A beautifully balanced style, with great clarity and subtle tannic depth. Vibrant fresh and very pure. Drink 2022-2032. 91-93 points, Goedhuis & Co
This has a more broody bouquet than the two Lalande-de-Pomerols, just a touch of leafiness originating from the Cabernet Sauvignon that enhances the complexity. The palate is medium-bodied with fine structure, more saline than the Les Cruzelles, backward at the moment, but the Cabernets impart some lovely graphite notes on the saline finish. Superb. Expect this to land towards the top of my banded score once in bottle. 91-93 points, Neal Martin
La Chenade Lalande de Pomerol 2016
£75.00 per 6 bottles IB
£80.00 per 3 magnums IB
£79.00 per single double magnum IB
A delicious Merlot-based Lalande de Pomerol exuding aromas of damsons and early autumnal fruits. A bright feeling of crisp freshness, with the finely balanced tannins supported by deliciously juicy ripe fruit flavours. Soft, succulent and very appealing. Drink 2020-2029. 90-92 points, Goedhuis & Co
It has a lovely nose that needed some coaxing from the glass, eventually revealing black cherries and touches of bergamot with Earl Grey following later. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, fresh right from the start, very harmonious with an elegant, quite minerally finish. Very elegant, very suave, very promising. 90-92 points Neal Martin