2023, Château Montlandrie, CASTILLON, CÔTES DE BORDEAUX

Last Year EP $37.00-

The Côtes de Castillon vineyard was very much a "labour of love" of famous Pomerol winemaker Denis Durantou of Eglise Clinet. His first vintage here was 2009. Sadly, the 2019 was the last vintage harvested by Denis but the rise and rise of Montlandrie continues under the care of his daughters and wine-maker Olivier Gautrat.
55% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc.

The 2023 Montlandrie sees a change in composition, as a plot of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon that Noëmie Durantou planted in 2021 enters the blend for the first time. This new makeup certainly gives it a different aromatic profile than previous vintages: black cherries, cedar and pencil shavings, very focused, more Left-Bank-meets-Right-Bank in style. It’s beautifully structured and judiciously spiced with gentle grip on the finish. Together with Les Cruzelles, these wines represent outstanding value for money. This will certainly age well in bottle.
92-94 Neal Martin.

Sophisticated for the appellation, with blackberries, hazelnuts and a hint of salt. It's medium-bodied and polished, with refinement and length. Nice energy.
92-93 James Suckling.

This is a serious Montlandrie, has far more Cabernet Sauvignon than usual, and shows a gorgeously savoury ethereal quality, with slow burn release of black fruits, oyster shell salinity, raspberry leaf and peony aromatics, precise, a slow burn, enjoyable. Noëmie Durantou winemaker.
92 Jane Anson.

The 2023 Montlandrie is a rich, expansive wine. Succulent dark plum, crème de cassis, lavender, spice, leather, tobacco, incense and dried herbs build effortlessly in the glass, culminating in a broad, resonant finish that is quite striking. This Montlandrie is such a gorgeous and complete wine.
91-93 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.