2018 Chateau Montlandrie, Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux
Up until 2019 the late great Denis Durantou was the winemaker here. Denis took over his family property Eglise Clinet in the early 1980s and turned it into one of Pomerol’s superstars before turning his hand to making wines in the surrounding appellations. These are now some of the best value wines in all of Bordeaux with incredibly consistent quality, plush ripe fruit and very smooth tannins.
One of the best wines from Castillon, from its highest slope, Montlandrie gets better every year. Production is small and the wine is 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.
"The 2018 Montlandrie is plump, racy and so expressive. Inky dark fruit, mocha, chocolate, licorice and spice are all kicked up in this sumptuous, bold Côtes de Castillon. Time brings out attractive floral top notes. I would give the tannins a few years to soften. There is a lot to look forward to in this gorgeous Côtes de Castillon from the Durantou family. Drink 2023-2033." Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com