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Tasting Notes
The 2018 vintage is remembered as a warm year – yet it was actually wet in May and June, only becoming dry and warm in mid-July. These conditions are perfect for Merlot, which likes cool feet but needs warm sunshine to ripen. Noëmie Durantou Reilhac describes the 2018 Montlandrie as "baroque", and she’s not wrong. It’s a wine of perfume and dark, brooding fruit; a total contrast to the 2013. Despite the darker profile, there’s still a vibrancy, freshness and lightness here. The palate is supple with a chalky texture to the tannins that frames the lush fruit. Expressive and joyful now, this wine nevertheless has such potential. As Noëmie suggests, it feels like this will be fabulous every step of the way.
Critic Scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
A blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Montlandrie is deep garnet-purple in color. It needs a lot of swirling and coaxing to wake a sleeping monster nose of baked plums, boysenberry preserves, and fruitcake, followed by nuances of licorice, menthol, and Indian spices. The full-bodied palate possesses surprising grace and brightness for this hot vintage, with wonderful tension and silky tannins, finishing with epic length.
If you know a better Right Bank for the money at this level of quality, let me know. Here, you find a lush, opulently-textured, plummy, chocolate. licorice and black cherry-filled wine that lingers. There is a lot of character here, and the wine sells for a song.
Another Castillon release from the talented Denis Durantou, the 2018 Château Montlandrie is based on 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a classic, earthy minerality as well as wonderful black cherry and mulberry fruits, medium-bodied richness, juicy aromas and flavors, moderate tannins, and a layered, balanced, undeniably delicious style. It's going to drink well for 10-15 years, although there's no need to delay gratification.
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About the producer
Ch. Montlandrie is the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux property owned by the Durantou family – best known for their esteemed Pomerol estate Ch. l’Eglise Clinet.