Montlandrie 2010

The Montlandrie is from limestone soils, a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc aged in 50% new oak. The nose is very harmonious and pure with scents of strawberry cheesecake, fresh raspberry and a touch of spice. There is just a little reduction but it soon blows away. The palate is medium-bodied with very smooth, filigree tannins. There is a fine sense of symmetry to this wine, focused and long in the mouth, with a sensual dark cherry and bergamot tinged finish. Gorgeous. Tasted November 2012.

A solid wine, with gorgeous fruit and intense fruit . Full and velvety, loads going on here. 70 percent Merlot and 30 percent cabernet Franc.

Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Montlandrie reveals a nose of prunes, dried mulberries and blackberry compote with touches of fried herbs, unsmoked cigar, cedar chest and crushed rocks. The full-bodied palate is firm and chewy with just enough freshness to lift the dried fruit and earthy layers to a long finish.2020-2032

Denis Durantou's (Eglise-Clinet) second vintage. Definitely more structured than the '09 with attractive fruit and spicy, chalky complexity. Drink 2014-2020.

A blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, this Cote de Castillon from Denis Durantou is showing just a little sur-maturite on the nose. The palate is full-bodied with plush, rounded tannins, good depth of flavour, much more restrained on the finish than the nose would suggest. Just a little untamed at the moment. Tasted April 2011.