2021 La Chenade Lalande de Pomerol
A staff and customer favourite, La Chenade is a flowing and juicy Bordeaux for a modest price. Mostly Merlot from sandier soils, it offers bright red fruit aromatics with a Cabernet Franc background of darker fruit and structure. Its Lalande-de-Pomerol location is only a kilometre from its famous Pomerol parent estate, Chateau L’Eglise Clinet, from which it gets second-fill barrels. Offering pleasure with pedigree, La Chenade will be perfect to decant on arrival or lay down a while longer. Worth collecting at this low price!
Grape
100% Merlot
Its Origins
La Chenade is produced by Chateau Les Cruzelles in Lalande-de-Pomerol, which is owned by Denis Durantou - better known for his famous Pomerol estate, Chateau L’Eglise Clinet. Located in the commune of Neac, the Lez Cruzelles vineyards are only about 1 kilometer from Chateau L’Eglise Clinet - in fact, they are so close you can see Les Cruzelles from L'Eglise. The 10 hectares of Les Cruzelles are planted to 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc. This could be the highest proportion of Cabernet Franc in the appellation. The terroir is clay and gravel soil. The majority of the blend for Chateau Les Cruzelles is usually taken up by Merlot. For the vinification of Les Cruzelles, the wine is fermented in tank and is aged in 50%, new, French oak barrels. There is a second wine, Chateau La Chenade, which is aged in an average of 25% new, French oak barrels. Chateau La Chenade is produced from the estates young vines and includes more Cabernet Franc in the blend.
What The Critics Say
92-93/100 James Suckling
"A medium-bodied, ripe and textured Lalande with creamy, fleshy tannins. Succulent core of ripe plum fruit, chocolate and some orange and peppermint. Fragrant and plush. 100% merlot."
92/100 Decanter, Georgina Hindle
"Floral strawberry and cherry fruits, there is a soft creamy scented element to the fruits on the nose. Such well-balanced acidity and brightness on the palate, a real kick of life and burst of flavour with red berries but a minerality that’s really to the fore - the crushed stone, wet slate, graphite and liquorice coming through giving nuance and angles while the soft, silky tannins glide over the tongue. This feels gently round and persistent, a good weight in the mouth, not dense as such but layers of flavour and cooling touches. You get the expansion and this is sustained. Not heavy but refined and understated. Gorgeous terroir in the glass, no frills here but such precision and identity. Ageing in 30% new oak. 20,000 bottle production." Drink 2025 - 2032
90-92 Thomas Parker MW
"The 2021 is 100% Merlot as the Cabernet Franc went entirely into Les Cruzelles this year. Harvested between 24th September and 1st October, less than 1,700 cases will be produced at 13.5% abv, with 30% matured in new French oak. Bright ruby colour. Super fragrant on the nose with cherry blossom and fresh plums. There are hints of spice that are both subtle and well integrated into the fruit. The palate has an airy intensity of fruit and gentle, pithy tannins which lightly frame it. This is an elegant, rounded Chenade with real energy and fragrance. It will offer superb drinking from a fairly young age and remains excellent value for money. Fans of the Durantou wines will not be disappointed."
| Variety | Merlot |
|---|---|
| Region | Bordeaux |
| Closure | Cork |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Alcohol | 13.50% |
| Maturity | 2025 - 2032 |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
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If for any reason you are not entirely happy with your order or you suspect that they may be affected by a quality issue, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will remedy the problem straight away. Contact us on 0800 422 767.
