2015 La Chenade

80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc. 30% new oak. Purplish crimson. Quite sweet and meaty. Gentle - obviously not top drawer but fun and easy. A bit tart and dry on the end. Needs food. Wait awhile? Fine sandy tannins in abundance. Sweet oak. Apr 2016, www.JancisRobinson.com, Drink: 2020-2027

The 2015 La Chenade, Denis Durantou's entry-level Lalande de Pomerol, hits the palate with a rush of intense ripe red fruit, smoke, leather, tobacco and exotic spices. This juicy, exuberant red will drink nicely with minimal cellaring. The flamboyance of the year comes through loud and clear. Chenade is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc taken from the gravelly portion of Durantou's Lalande de Pomerol property. Harvest started on September 15 with the Merlots and wrapped up on October 5 with the Cabernet Franc. Apr 2016, www.Vinous.com

The 2015 La Chenade is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc picked between September 15-25 and on October 5 respectively, cropped at 45 hectoliters per hectare and matured in 30% new oak. This Lalande-de-Pomerol moves towards red fruit on the nose, crushed strawberry and raspberry pastilles, candied and somehow...joyful. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, very fine in the mouth with a keen line of acidity. This is a very cohesive La Chenade, elegant and composed with a touch of salinity towards the finish. This is a graceful La Chenade that should drink early, but clearly has the substance to offer 12-15 years of drinking pleasure. Apr 2016, www.robertparker.com