2012 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.

"The 2012 Montlandrie has an open and expressive bouquet with a mixture of red and black fruit, tobacco and light earthy scents; this is a little more floral than its peers which adds another layer of complexity. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins and a fine bead of acidity, lightly spiced with savory/dried blood notes filtering through on the granular finish. This has character, though it is fully mature and will not improve further in bottle. Drink 2022-2030."  Neal Martin, Vinous.com, May 2013