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.
92 POINTS
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW - Robert Parker Wine Advocate
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!
92 POINTS
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW - Robert Parker Wine Advocate
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.
92 POINTS
Jane Anson - Decanter
This is very good quality and has beautiful complexity right off the bat - Denis Durantou's Castillon estate is pretty much always one of my value picks, although the price is rising.
This takes its time, there’s a touch of reduction that clears in the glass before the layers of juicy brambly fruits come to the fore ending with a fairly delicate finish. Although the power is clearly there, he keeps a clever nuance in the flavours. 40% new oak was used.
This shows a really beautiful core of ripe fruit with dark chocolate and blueberries. Full body and firm, chewy tannins. Flavorful finish.
Points: 92-93
91 POINTS
Neal Martin - Vinous
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.
Points: 90-92
91 POINTS
Antonio Galloni MW - Vinous
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.
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. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Score range: 89-92