2019 Chateau Montlandrie, Castillon-Cotes de Bordeaux

This is an excellent vintage of Montlandrie, with smoked coffee and cocoa bean, a ton of salinity, powerful blue and red fruits, super juicy on the finish. Enticing curled woodsmoke as it comes out of the glass, slate finish with a scrape of minerality. 40% new oak. Harvest September 30 to October 10.

The 2019 Montlandrie is a blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. It comes bounding out of the glass with bright, cheerful scents of warm redcurrants, Morello cherries, wild blueberries and boysenberries with touches of lavender, red roses, cinnamon stick and cast-iron pan. Wow. I LOVE this energy on the elegantly styled, medium-bodied palate. The red and black fruit layers practically dance, intermingled with grainy (Cabernet-like) tannins and tons of freshness. It has a satisfyingly long, fragrant finish. Truly impressive! LPB

The 2019 Montlandrie is just as imposing as it was from barrel. Readers will have to be patient with the 2019, as it very clearly needs time. Swaths of tannin wrap around a core of black fruit, chocolate, leather, spice, incense and licorice. There's real depth and gravitas here, along with strong Cabernet aromatics that add character.

Blueberries and dark cherries with walnuts and hazelnuts. Some nutmeg, too. Medium-bodied with firm, polished tannins and a flavorful finish. Very fine tannins. Drink after 2025, but already gorgeous.

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.

Evoking smoky, graphite and spicy aromas, the 2019 Montlandrie has an exquisite earthy character followed by a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, a juicy texture and a slightly austere, delicate finish. This beautiful wine (a blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon) has a real potential to improve in the cellar.

75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon; 40% new oak. Barrel sample. Bright and lifted on the nose. Dark-fruit aromatics with a lingering chalky note. Fresh and layered on the palate, the limestone terroir again apparent. Firm, fresh and dry with plentiful tannins and a stony, pebble-sucking finish. Muscular but refined at the same time. (JL)