Montlandrie 2019

Tasted blind. Heady, rich nose. Good freshness and zest. Oak (just) overwhelmed by some detailed fruit. But there is lots of tannin too. 14.5%Drink 2027– 2039

A perennial no-brainer, the 2019 Château Montlandrie sports a vivid purple hue as well as a gorgeous bouquet of juicy black cherries, blueberries, tobacco, and cedarwood, with some classic chalky minerality in the background. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has terrific purity of fruit, silky tannins, and a great finish. I’d be thrilled to have bottles in the cellar, and it should have 10-15 years of longevity.

75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon; 40% new oak. Barrel sample.Bright and lifted on the nose. Dark-fruit aromatics with a lingering chalky note. Fresh and layered on the palate, the limestone terroir again apparent. Firm, fresh and dry with plentiful tannins and a stony, pebble-sucking finish. Muscular but refined at the same time. (JL) 14.5%Drink 2025 – 2034

The 2019 Montlandrie was one of the hidden gems of Durantou’s lineup this vintage. Now in bottle, it retains a wonderful, expressive, vivacious bouquet of black and red fruit and hints of violet and crushed stone. The palate is medium-bodied, with pliant, very fine tannins and a perfect line of acidity. Intense yet finessed, leading to a silky-smooth finish. Make sure you have some of this excellent Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux in your cellar, or it will never forgive you. 2024 - 2044

The 2019 Montlandrie, Denis Durantou's Côtes de Castillon vineyard, was picked from 30 September with the Cabernets picked 7-10 October before maturation in 40% new oak. It has a well-defined, very focused and compelling bouquet with intense cranberry and raspberry scents laced with cedar and sous-bois. The palate is exquisite: built around a core of finely chiseled tannins, a mélange of black and red fruit with hints of liquorice and subtle briny notes on the persistent finish. This is outstanding. 2024 - 2044

A chewy, structured red with medium body. The flavor shows blue fruit with salty, minerally undertones. It’s tannic, yet driven. Tight.

The 2019 Montlandrie is composed of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, it gallops out with energetic notes of juicy black plums and black cherries followed by wafts of clove oil, lavender, and espresso. The full-bodied palate is chock full of black fruits with a firm, grainy texture and earth-laced finish.

A blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in 40% new oak, the 2019 Montlandrie is medium to deep garnet-purple colored. It comes barreling out of the glass with exuberant notes of plum preserves, black cherry compote, and black raspberries, plus suggestions of violets, wild sage, and crushed rocks. Full-bodied, the palate shimmies with energy, featuring ripe, rounded tannins and a lively backbone, finishing long and lifted.

The 2019 Montlandrie is a blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. It comes bounding out of the glass with bright, cheerful scents of warm redcurrants, Morello cherries, wild blueberries and boysenberries with touches of lavender, red roses, cinnamon stick and cast-iron pan. Wow. I LOVE this energy on the elegantly styled, medium-bodied palate. The red and black fruit layers practically dance, intermingled with grainy (Cabernet-like) tannins and tons of freshness. It has a satisfyingly long, fragrant finish. Truly impressive!

Cinnamon and spice box with pulped raspberry fruits on the nose, this has the restrained exuberance of Montlandrie in spades, where the ripe fruits are balanced step by step with fresh acidities and lip-smacking salinity that speaks to the limestone soils of this estate. Cabernet Sauvignon adds a savoury touch, and overall this is yet another example of why the loss of Durantou will be felt for years. Drinking Window 2025 - 2036