Château Montlandrie 2018

This is beautifully crafted for this appellation with soft, fine tannins that give the wine tension and focus. It’s medium-to full-bodied with polish and finesse. Really nicely done for this appellation. Give it another two or three years to soften even more. Try after 2022.

Produced by the late Denis Durantou of Château L’Eglise Clinet, the 2018 Montlandrie is a blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 14.5% alcohol, and it was aged in 40% new oak. Deep garnet-purple colored, it comes storming out of the glass with powerful scents of stewed black plums, boysenberries, blackberry preserves and mocha, giving way to hints of tar, tobacco leaf and black truffles. The medium to full-bodied palate bursts with earth-laced black fruits, supported by finely grained tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and mineral laced. Delicious! - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

The slight austerity of limestone is evident, in a vintage where this was an effective balance to the hot and dry summer. The fruit is precise, spliced open red cherry and raspberry, with tomato leaf aromatics emphasised by fresh acidities. These are classic in limestone wines with both Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, particularly as Castillon is a little cooler than St-Emilion, and I suggest giving a few years to soften, but there is an excellent core of ripe fruit here, and it's a lovely wine. 5% Cabernet Sauvignon in this vintage; 40% new oak. - Jane Anson

Another Castillon release from the talented Denis Durantou, the 2018 Château Montlandrie is based on 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a classic, earthy minerality as well as wonderful black cherry and mulberry fruits, medium-bodied richness, juicy aromas and flavors, moderate tannins, and a layered, balanced, undeniably delicious style. It's going to drink well for 10-15 years, although there's no need to delay gratification.