Château Montlandrie 2023

Expressive, floral, violet, cassis, blackberry; juicy palate, top structured, the wine shows razor‑sharp tannins, plenty of character, impressive length. Can age for a long time.

An attractive aromatic profile ranges from blackberry and cassis to chocolate brownie and floral notes. The first press of the Cabernet Sauvignon was so impressive that the estate used it for the first time, about 2%, and the impression is of a wine with fine structure yet also savoury, as the blend remains dominated by Merlot. Medium finish, with much class.

The 2023 Montlandrie is another seriously beautiful wine from sisters Constance and Noëmie Durantou. This is the first with a high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon, which comes through in the wine's dark persona and strong savory inflections. The wine's depth, textual presence and dynamic personality are all exceptional by any measure.

The bouquet of flowers stands out before revealing its rich cherries, mint, and chocolate that make up the aromatic profile. The medium-bodied palate balances its vibrant energy with a sweet, spicy, and bright red fruit character. There is elegance and length in the red berry finish that makes you want to take another sip afterward, with a pit fruit finish. Give it a year or two in the cellar, and enjoy it for 15 or more years. The wine blends 55% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 20% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2027-2040.

Luscious deep ruby-blue in colour, clear depth and a swirl of silky tannins. Cocoa bean, truffles, cassis, pomegranate, slate, liquorice, superb. This has highest amount of Cabernet Sauvignon to date in this wine, including some of the first press, reflecting the ripeness of the variety in 2023. 36hl/h yield. Noëmie Durantou winemaker. Single point upscore, and one to look out for. Tasted twice.

The subtlety and precision of the bouquet herald greatness. What consistency and harmony in this bouquet, where vegetal notes and ripeness sit side by side, where hints of peony go hand in hand with aromas of black berries. On the palate, the wine shows breadth right from the start. It is driven by vigorous, velvety tannins that provide an exceptional framework. The acid structure works in the background, managing to channel the wine’s ample dimension. This naturally leads to remarkable harmony, where paradoxes complement one another. A magnificent success that can certainly be enjoyed in its youth, yet has all the assets needed to excel over the decades to come. A complete wine!

Fresh and caressing in feel, with a friendly core of plum and black cherry puree notes coated with a light glaze of violet and anise. Ready to go. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2030.

Logo on the cork: PE (Parramon) A real favorite during the En Primeur tastings, this vintage confirms its standing. Deep, intense color. Highly aromatic nose, with ripe fruit, subtle and creamy, growing more profound with a swirl of the glass. Precise on the attack, especially aromatic on the mid-palate, with a fine, silky texture coating the palate; the wine rises on the finish, sappy, juicy and long. It’s very good.

55% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.5% vol. An enchanting blueberry-driven bouquet, delicate violet perfume and elderberry jelly. On the compact palate, a silky texture, a tightly knit tannic frame, a touch of supportive tension, a refined mineral core and an energy-charged body. The concentrated, long-lasting finish brings blue and black berries, dark minerality and fine-grained astringency. I have never tasted this wine this well before! A magnificent Castillon!