2020 La Chenade, Lalande de Pomerol 6x75cl

Vinous 90-92

The 2020 La Chenade is fleshy and succulent right out of the gate. Sweet red cherry, red plum, spice, mint and sweet pipe tobacco lend quite a bit of aromatic presence to this super-expressive Lalande de Pomerol from the Durantou family. As always, La Chenade is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, with the Franc especially marked in this vintage in the wine’s aromatics and structural feel. A few years in the bottle will be essential. [Antonio Galloni, 06/06/2021]

Robert Parker 89-91

The 2020 La Chenade is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, coming from vines planted to a sandy-gravel soil at the Durantous’s Lalande de Pomerol estate. The Merlot was picked between the 9th and the 15th of September and the Cabernet Franc on the 16th of September. It has an alcohol of 14% and is aging in French oak barrels, 30% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it comes skipping out of the glass with exuberant scents of Morello cherries, boysenberries and crushed red and black plums, plus suggestions of underbrush, damp soil and menthol. The medium-bodied palate is elegant and nicely balanced, with soft acidity and tannins framing the earth-laced red and black fruits, finishing long and minerally. 10,000 bottles are expected to be made. [03/05/2020]

Anticipated maturity: 2024-2038

Decanter 91

Sit back and enjoy the life and sap through this wine, with earthy wild blackberry notes that I really enjoy. No need to wait too long, enjoyably sculpted if a little concentrated in its tannic sign-off. 3.72pH. A yield of 38hl/ha. La Chenade contains a fairly high amount of young vines, which meant it was more affected than Les Cruzelles by the dry summer, but it has been exceptionally well handled. [02/05/2021]

Anticipated maturity: 2023-2032

Jeb Dunnuck 92-94

I absolutely loved the 2020 Chateau La Chenade, and this beautiful, layered, rich, yet fresh Lalande de Pomerol does everything right. Giving up terrific aromatics of ripe back cherries, cassis, tobacco, and lead pencil, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a round, supple texture, ripe tannins, and a great finish. I just hope it shows this well from bottle! [06/06/2021]