2021, Château Montlandrie, CASTILLON, CÔTES DE BORDEAUX

Bordeaux Blend: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot.

The Côtes de Castillon vineyard was very much a "labour of love" of famous Pomerol winemaker Denis Durantou of Eglise Clinet. This 11 hectare vineyard has 25 year old vines - 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% of a new clone of Cabernet Sauvignon that Denis planted in 2009.

Kicks off with the knife-edge austerity of limestone, with a delicate frame and oyster shell salinity, opening to peony floral aromatics and gentle raspberry fruits. Tight overall in its construction, needs to soften over ageing. 50% new oak. 92 Jane Anson.

The 2021 is a blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep ruby in colour. Full of ripe red fruit, iron and bonfire smoke on the nose. The palate is fine and fruit forward, with a lighter touch than in recent vintages. It is still intense, but the tannins have been further refined, to make a more athletic profile for this wine. Bright berry fruit and cherry blossom linger together with hints of graphite and iron. Powdery tannins linger together with the fruit on the finish, but this should drink well from a fairly early stage. 91-93 Thomas Parker MW, Farr Vintners, London.

A blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2021 Montlandrie exhibits aromas of rich berries and cherries mingled with loamy soil, spices and potpourri. Medium to full-bodied, lively and incisive, it's nicely concentrated, with fine depth at the core and a bright, saline finish. Its Côtes de Castillon origins mark this out as the most tensile, mineral wine in the Durantou portfolio. 90-92 William Kelley, Wine Advocate.