Montlandrie 2024

Deep garnet-purple colored. Is a touch closed to start off, needing a little patient swirling to bring out evocative notes of black raspberries and fresh blackberries, plus hints of licorice, crushed rocks, and tapenade. The light to medium-bodied palate delivers great intensity and tension with grainy tannins and a vibrant, lifted finish. Nice!60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.

The 2024 Montlandrie was picked between September 26 and October 5 and matured in 42% new oak. This has a more low-key bouquet than the Les Cruzelles with tightly wound black plum and tertiary aromas. The palate is more expressive with smooth tannins and a keen line of acidity, though it is more linear on the finish than the aforementioned Lalande-de-Pomerol. Still, this should drink well for eight to ten years. Drink: 2028-2039

Harvested between September 26th and 30th for the Merlot, October 3rd to 5th for the Cabernet Franc and October 4th to 5th for the Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2024 Montlandrie reveals a more open and gourmand bouquet than its siblings, with aromas of cassis, mulberries and fresh flowers. Moderately weighted and supple, the palate is enveloping, with a juicy core of fruit that offsets some firmer tannins through the mid-palate, concluding with a fresh, fruit-driven finish. Composed of 60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine should gain further harmony and integration throughout its élevage.

Plum ruby colour, medium intensity, white pepper and cloves, gentle but insistent lift through the palate, very much on the textural side of the vintage, more austere than in recent years but still full of character and charm, no chaptilisation, 42% new oak, harvest September 26 to October 5, winemaker Noêmie Durantou. Tasted twice.