2018 Montlandrie (Castillon Cotes Bordeaux)

This is very good quality and has beautiful complexity right off the bat - Denis Durantou`s Castillon estate is pretty much always one of my value picks, although the price is rising. This takes its time, there’s a touch of reduction that clears in the glass before the layers of juicy brambly fruits come to the fore ending with a fairly delicate finish. Although the power is clearly there, he keeps a clever nuance in the flavours. 40% new oak was used. Drinking Window 2021 - 2030. 92 points

Produced by Denis Durantou of Château L’Eglise Clinet, the 2018 Montlandrie is a blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon with 14.5% alcohol and is currently aging in 40% new oak. Deep purple-black in color, it features fragrant notes of lilacs, Morello cherries and blueberry compote over a core of plum preserves and woodsmoke plus a waft of underbrush. The medium to full-bodied palate is richly fruited with black and blue fruits, lifted by earthy accents and lovely freshness, finishing long and velvety textured. 92-94 points