Montlandrie 2012

From the famous Pomerol producer and owner of L’Eglise Clinet, Denis Durantou has turned out a Castillon made from a blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc. Typical of his wines, the terrific purity, texture and overall equilibrium are flawless. Deep ruby/purple-tinged, with sweet black cherry, plum and black currant fruit, the wine has vivid purity, good acidity and ripe tannin. It is medium-bodied, opulent and best drunk over the next 5-7 years.

The 2012 Montlandrie has an open and expressive bouquet with a mixture of red and black fruit, tobacco and light earthy scents; this is a little more floral than its peers which adds another layer of complexity. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins and a fine bead of acidity, lightly spiced with savory/dried blood notes filtering through on the granular finish. This has character, though it is fully mature and will not improve further in bottle. Tasted blind at the Southwold Ten-Year On tasting.

The 2012 Montlandrie is laced with super-ripe red cherries, flowers, mint and sweet spices. Firm, chalky tannins give the wine much of its energy and overall tension, but the fruit is decidedly ripe and racy, the key signature of this early-ripening, south-facing site in the Côtes de Castillon. This is a very pretty wine from Denis Durantou.