| Region | Bordeaux |
|---|---|
| Appellation | |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
The Côtes de Castillon vineyard was very much a "labour of love" of famous Pomerol winemaker Denis Durantou of Eglise Clinet. His first vintage here was 2009. Sadly, the 2019 was the last vintage harvested by Denis, but the rise and rise of Montlandrie continues under the care of his daughters and wine-maker Olivier Gautrat. This 11 hectare vineyard was planted on hills of clay and limestone with Merlot and Cabernet Franc but a new clone of Cabernet Sauvignon that Denis planted in 2009 is coming into production. Always modestly priced, this is a wine that gives brilliant value for money and is a star of this emerging appellation.
The 2025 Montlandrie is 60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Ageing in 60% new oak, 14.5% alcohol. The yield was very low at 30 hl/ha. Picking started on September 9th and continued to the 19th. Only 2,600 cases will be produced this year.
The 2025 Montlandrie was picked between September 9 and 20 and includes 20% each of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon, raised in 60% new oak. (Did you know that they have 400 olive trees and produce virgin oil from the estate? I didn't.) This is more reticent on the nose compared to the Les Cruzelles, displaying a subtle marine tincture tucked behind the black plum and raspberry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with very pliant, fluid tannins, a crisp line of acidity, overtly peppery towards the vivacious finish, which disguises the backbone of this Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux. Great length, there can be few wines from that appellation better than this. Drink 2030-2048.
Montlandrie has really kicked into a new gear since the introduction of the Cabernet Sauvignon plantings. Deep, dark and focused on the nose, there is a brooding sense of cassis, dark plum, soy and a touch of charred wood. The palate has grip and depth, this is a grand vin with real power. There's something almost Figeac-like about this wine, its Cabernet tension and rich Merlot middle give this a wonderful profile, chalky but rounded at once. Powerful, grippy and built to age, but with enough fruit in the middle that it should be approachable fairly young. Excellent.
A well-structured, driven red with plenty of focus. Medium- to full-bodied with fine, firm tannins. Well framed and compact in the finish. Salty and white pepper character. A blend of 60% merlot, 20% cabernet franc and 20% cabernet sauvignon.
Pumice stone, grilled bright fruits, so much character, a deliciously slow crawl across the palate, and so juicy at the same time, blood orange, pomegranate, moreish. 60% new oak. Harvest September 9 to 20, low ph of course on this high limestone plateau, love the energy that this wine gives you. 3.2ph (at harvest, now 3.4ph), Noémie Durantou winemaker.
The 2025 Montlandrie is exceptional. A wine of dimension and energy, Montlandrie screams with energy. Blue/black cherry fruit, lavender, spice and grilled herbs possess notable density and sheer power. There's crazy depth and overall complexity here. I would love to taste this blind in a lineup of wines from more "prestigious" appellations. 2030 - 2045
