Montlandrie 2022

The depth of flavour is more clear, along with the fragrance of the freshly cut and dried herbs - white pepper, sage, turmeric, cloves, incense, very much coming in on the retro-olfaction, deep black cherry, just beautifully characterful, great stuff, easy one to recommend, 50% new oak, clay limestone really doing its absolute best.

75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Cask sample.Deep colour. Dark-fruit and floral notes with a stony freshness behind. Assertive tannins but cushioned by the fruit. Full-bodied but balanced, the finish chalky and dry. Potential to evolve. (JL) 14.5%Drink 2029– 2038

The 2022 Montlandrie was picked 8-23 September and matured in 50% new oak. The Cabernet components in the blend defined the nose that leans toward the Left Bank - graphite and tobacco filtering through the dark berry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with a smooth texture, white pepper and clove, quite structured for this Castillon Côte de Bordeaux with a similar sapid finish as the Les Cruzelles. 2029-2043

Sea salt and grilled sea weed. Dark fruit, but so umami. Medium to full body with fine and chewy tannins. Crunchy.

The limestone soils in Castillon are naturally cooler than many parts of Bordeaux across in all vintages, and yet even here the harvest began on September 8 through to 23, highlighting the unusual conditions of the vintage. The resulting wine still reflects the site, with its salinity and grip, and waves of soft rose aromatics. Gentle, supple tannins and fruits, enjoyable and finessed, carefully calibrated given the heat of the summer. 37hl/h yields. 50% new oak, Noemie Durantou winemaker.