2019 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 2019 Montlandrie was one of the hidden gems of Durantou’s lineup this vintage. Now in bottle, it retains a wonderful, expressive, vivacious bouquet of black and red fruit and hints of violet and crushed stone. The palate is medium-bodied, with pliant, very fine tannins and a perfect line of acidity. Intense yet finessed, leading to a silky-smooth finish. Make sure you have some of this excellent Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux in your cellar, or it will never forgive you. Drink 2024-2044."  Neal Martin, Vinous.com