Château Montlandrie 2011

The succulent, fleshy plum and boysenberry fruit is augmented by dark ganache hints and a smoldering tobacco note that emerges on the finish. Best from 2015 through 2021. 2,210 cases made.

This shows lots of blueberry and mineral character with hints of chalk. Medium to full body, chewy tannins and a polished, refined texture. Needs another two or three years to soften.

Good full medium red. Aromas of red cherry, mint and black pepper, with some obvious caramel oak (this was aged in 50% new barrels). Fat, lush and suave on entry, with layered flavors of red plum, red berries and balsamic herbs, then turns tight and peppery on the back end. Finishes chewy and persistent, with some lingering oakiness.

From 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, planted on limestone soils and aged in 50% new oak, the wine offers oak, red berries and stone with medium body and a bright red berry finish. 85-87 pts

Deep purple, dense at the core, with garnet glints at the rim. Direct bouquet with lovely cherry tones and subtle inky hints. Finely grained, medium-weight palate with fairly good support.

(75% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc) Spicy, peppery bouquet, raspberries, raspberry seeds, smoke. Fresh, medium-bodied palate with medium fruit, fine sandy tannins, spicy aromatics, dry finish. Can still improve. 16/20 2018 - 2026

A blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, the 2011 Montlandrie has a deep garnet color, with a touch of brick. It slowly awakens in the glass with notes of mossy tree bark, blackberry preserves, aniseed, and clove oil, plus emerging wafts of dried lavender and tobacco leaf. The full-bodied palate is laden with maturing flavors of black fruit and fragrant earth, supported by impressive freshness and velvety tannins, finishing long and opulent.

A beautiful, dense wine with the charm of Merlot and a top-class Cabernet Franc. Exceptional value for money.

Dark, intense color. Fruity nose with a slight meaty note. Caressing, flavorful palate, very fruity and pleasant, with medium body and length.

A thrilling offering from proprietor Denis Durantou (who also owns Pomerol’s l’Eglise-Clinet), this blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc is a surprisingly large-scaled Cotes de Bordeaux Castillon revealing a dense ruby/purple color as well as lots of sweet mulberry, kirsch, black currant, licorice, spring flower and graphite notes. Medium to full-bodied as well as remarkably concentrated, this wine outperforms many of Bordeaux’s more famous names in this vintage. A stunner in quality and value, it can be enjoyed over the next 10+ years. It is a sleeper of the vintage.