Château Montlandrie 2012

A solid version, with a brambly spine driving the dark plum and raspberry fruit flavors along, while licorice snap and fruitcake notes fill in on the finish. Shows a judicious hint of roasted apple wood. Drink now through 2017. 2,500 cases made.

Full-bodied and tight for the vintage and appellation with plenty of rust, salt and fruit character. Long and flavorful. Minerally flavors are persistent!

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.

From 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, from clay and limestone soils, this wine opens with oak, licorice and dark berries and is fleshy, but dry on the finish, 85-88 pts

Extremely dark purple with lilac and violet highlights. As with all Durantou wines, it immediately shows remarkable fruit, reminiscent of freshly cooked, cooled blackberry jam. On the palate, marked extract, black pepper powder, and an aromatic finish. Can still gain further complexity. Certainly one of the more exciting Castillons.

Extremely dark purple with lilac and violet highlights. As with all Durantou wines, it shows an astonishing burst of fruit right from the start, reminiscent of freshly cooked, cooled blackberry jam. On the palate, marked extract, black pepper powder, and an aromatic finish. Still has room to improve. Certainly one of the more exciting Castillons.

(75% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc) Floral, fresh, sweet bouquet, redcurrants, red cassis, eucalyptus, chocolate. Velvety, powerful palate with sweet fruit, slightly dry tannins, medium structure, and a delicately bitter finish. Can still improve. 16/20 2017 - 2028

A blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, the 2012 Montlandrie is deep garnet in color, with a touch of brick. After a swirl or two, the nose explodes with an array of exotic spice and fragrant earth scents, giving way to a core of redcurrant jelly and plum preserves, followed by waves of menthol and rose oil nuances. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is plush with just enough tension to counter the evolving black fruit preserves and spicy layers, finishing on a lingering anise note.

A fairly powerful 2012 with enough depth and substance to continue evolving well for a few more years.

Crafted by Denis Durantou, Montlandrie opens with an elegant attack; the beautiful mid-palate is very delicate and long. The wine shows real class thanks to an exceptional Cabernet Franc.

Intense, beautiful, and vivid color. Fruity, peppery nose. Fruity palate with a tender texture. Savory finish of good length.