The Durantou Family: Right Bank Bordeaux Royalty
The iconic Chateau l'Eglise Clinet is situated on the famed plateau of Pomerol, the smallest and most sought after appellation in Bordeaux. The late Denis Durantou took over at the Chateau in 1983 and through meticulous vineyard management and masterful terroir focussed winemaking, elevated it to the top table of Pomerol alongside the likes of Petrus, Le Pin and Lafleur. Through vineyard replanting, lower yields, and hand-picking at perfect ripeness, Durantou combined gentle extraction with judicious use of new oak, always focusing on purity of fruit and allowing the exceptional terroir to shine. Production levels are tiny with only around 1,000 cases made each year from very 75+ year old vines. These are some of the most sought after wines in Bordeaux, with top vintages commanding prices of £400 and upwards per bottle!
Sadly Denis passed away in 2020 but his daughters, Noémie and Constance Durantou, continue his legacy alongside long-serving cellar master Olivier Gautrat. They share the same deep understanding of terroir and unwavering pursuit of excellence that defined their father’s approach. The result is wines that balance purity of fruit with finesse and supple tannins - wines that are energetic, focused, and a joy to drink.
Alongside the legendary L’Eglise Clinet, the Durantou family craft a brilliant range of great value Right Bank wines that overdeliver year after year. From Saintayme in Saint-Émilion to Montlandrie in Castillon, and Les Cruzelles and La Chenade in Lalande de Pomerol, these wines share the hallmark precision, purity of fruit, and sense of place. Exceptional quality at remarkably modest prices, these are always an easy recommendation. They will not break the bank and will provide years of pleasure.
Les Cruzelles, Lalande de Pomerol
Predominantly Merlot from gravel-clay soils just over the Pomerol border, Les Cruzelles offers elegance and depth that rivals many top Pomerols at a fraction of the price. Cool, clean, and concentrated, with structure that makes it an excellent candidate for the cellar.
La Chenade, Lalande de Pomerol
A perennial favourite, La Chenade lies a stone’s throw from Pomerol itself. A Merlot and Cabernet Franc blend, it is perfumed, vibrant, and effortlessly drinkable, with the depth to age gracefully.
Montlandrie, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux
From one of the highest slopes in Castillon, Montlandrie blends Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Structured and elegant, it shows depth, fine tannins, and the potential to evolve beautifully over time.
Saintayme, Saint Emilion
A pure, fruit-driven Merlot from Saint Emilion with freshness and balance. Packed with dark fruit yet always bright and lifted, it offers remarkable value.