Montlandrie - Castillon-Côtes de Bordeaux 2018

The Wine Independent

94

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe6/12/2024

A blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Montlandrie is deep garnet-purple in color. It needs a lot of swirling and coaxing to wake a sleeping monster nose of baked plums, boysenberry preserves, and fruitcake, followed by nuances of licorice, menthol, and Indian spices. The full-bodied palate possesses surprising grace and brightness for this hot vintage, with wonderful tension and silky tannins, finishing with epic length.

Vinous

91

byAntonio Gallonithe3/31/2021

The 2018 Montlandrie is plump, racy and so expressive. Inky dark fruit, mocha, chocolate, licorice and spice are all kicked up in this sumptuous, bold Côtes de Castillon. Time brings out attractive floral top notes. I would give the tannins a few years to soften. There is a lot to look forward to in this gorgeous Côtes de Castillon from the Durantou family.

Wine Advocate

92

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe3/31/2021

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!

The Wine Cellar Insider

93

byJeff Levethe3/16/2021

This is showing much better in bottle than in barrel. Now, you find more intensity, richness and complexity. The nose opens with flowers, licorice, wet earth, cherry and plum tones. Silky, rich and fresh, with layers of elegant, ripe, sweet fruits in the endnote, this is the best vintage of Montlandrie I have ever tasted! The wine is a blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Vinous

90

byNeal Martinthe3/12/2021

The 2018 Montlandrie has the ripest bouquet of the late Denis Durantou’s 2018s , featuring copious black cherries mingled with blueberry and blood orange scents, almost exotic considering the growing season. The palate is well balanced with dark black fruit, hints of pencil lead becoming more prominent toward the finish, where, as I remarked from barrel, the wood component is just a little too vocal. Give it 2–3 years in bottle.

Yvesbeck.wine

90

byYves Beckthe1/26/2021

Bouquet subtil, complexe, aux notes de baies rouges suivies de notes florales. En bouche le vin est élégant, crémeux et parfaitement équilibré. Il n'a peut-être pas la fougue habituelle mais il a de l'élégance, des tannins puissants et de la fraîcheur en finale. Je pense que le vin mérite un peu de garde afin de gagner en expression aromatique.

Jamessuckling.com

93

byJames Sucklingthe1/26/2021

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.

Vinous

90-92

byNeal Martinthe11/15/2019

The 2018 Montlandrie, the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux from Denis Durantou, was picked October 1-5, the Cabernet on October 8, and matured in 40% new oak. This has a limpid color in the glass. It is clean and precise on the tightly wound nose, veins of blood orange infusing the black currant and raspberry aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with mainly black fruit, grippy tannins and a citric edge. There is just a touch of new oak to be assimilated on the finish; otherwise this is a very fine Castillon.

WeinWisser

17,5

byTjark Witzgallthe5/7/2019

Vinous

89-92

byAntonio Gallonithe5/3/2019

A sleeper in 2018, Montlandrie is powerful, racy and super-expressive. Succulent red cherry, raspberry, mocha, licorice and rose petals all run through this racy, polished Côtes de Castillon from Denis Durantou. Sweet floral notes add brightness in the glass. The tannins just need time to soften. Tasted two times.

Vinifera

91

byJacques Perrinthe5/1/2019

Le nez est orienté sur les baies de bois. Au palais, ce vin offre une belle énergie, une vitalité joyeuse, finale très ouverte sur un tanin présent mais juteux; 

Jeb DUNNUCK

91-93

byJeb Dunnuckthe5/1/2019

Impressive notes of cassis, graphite, crushed rocks, and floral characteristics all dominate the 2018 Château Montlandrie, which is 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon being brought up in 40% new barrels. It's balanced and has classic limestone influenced minerality and structure followed by a beautiful finish. This terrific Castillon is well worth seeking out, and I suspect it will evolve nicely for 10-15 years.

The Wine Cellar Insider

90-92

byJeff Levethe4/23/2019

Floral in nature, the wine focuses on its freshness, silky tannins and red, licorice coated fruits. The medium-bodied wine is going to need a few years to soften and come together. The wine is a blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Wine Advocate

92-94

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe4/23/2019

Produced by 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 is currently aging in 40% new oak. Deep purple-black in color, it features fragrant notes of lilacs, Morello cherries and blueberry compote over a core of plum preserves and woodsmoke plus a waft of underbrush. The medium to full-bodied palate is richly fruited with black and blue fruits, lifted by earthy accents and lovely freshness, finishing long and velvety textured.

Jamessuckling.com

92-93

byJames Sucklingthe4/12/2019

This shows a really beautiful core of ripe fruit with dark chocolate and blueberries. Full body and firm, chewy tannins. Flavorful finish.

Jean-Marc QUARIN

93

byJean-Marc Quarinthe4/8/2019

Wine Spectator

89-92

byJames Molesworththe4/3/2019

On the ripe and slightly heady side, with a healthy dose of toasted vanilla surrounding the steeped plum and blackberry fruit. Shows a bit more oomph than freshness, but remains solid.