Château Montus XL 2016

‘XL’ is not extra-large but Roman numerals referring to the 40 months it ages in 100% new French oak. Dark, savoury style with super-compacted black fruit. The oak is justified because the fruit is so intense, and the tannic structure has definitely been helped by the softening effect of barrel age. A wine of big dimensions. (RH)

Crafted entirely from Tannat planted on steep clay soils, the 2016 XL from Château Montus reveals a fresh, deep bouquet of menthol, tobacco leaf, smoke, leather and pencil lead. Medium to full-bodied with a densely layered and concentrated palate, it has structured tannins and a firm, robust finish.