Château Montlandrie 2020

The 2020 Montlandrie is a promising wine for aficionados who can keep it for a few years in the cellar. It has aromas of blackberries, iris, spring flowers, blackcurrant and blueberry, followed by a medium-bodied, concentrated and layered texture on the palate with a denser character than previous vintages. It’s harmonious with a clean and precise finish.

Denis Durantou estate up on the limestone plateau of Castillon, now vinified by his daughter Noémie Durantou. Deeply coloured, ruby in colour with fleshy fruit, not giving a whole lot away right now, but this is a fairly discreet vintage in many ways. The dominant impression is of a rough linen and wet stone texture that reflects its limestone soils. Width and depth as it opens in the palate, serious for now but with plenty to give. A yield of 45hl/ha. 3.6pH. Drinking Window 2023-2035.

Very minerally with crushed stone and limestone. Black berries and blueberries. Violets. Full-bodied with tight and firm tannins and lovely length. Tannic and firm. Needs time to soften and come together. But beautiful and solid. Try after 2026.

Coming from the talented Denis Durantou, the 2020 Château Montlandrie looks to be brilliant and should be snatched up by readers. Beautiful and ample red fruits, crushed stone, and floral notes define the nose, and it’s medium-bodied, with a pure, elegant texture and a great mix of freshness and richness. It’s going to put a smile on your face any time over the coming decade or so.