Montlandrie 2014

A blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2014 Montlandrie has a deep garnet color, with a touch of brick. It bursts from the glass with notes of chocolate mint and black cherry preserves, followed by nuances of blackberry preserves, rose oil, and wild sage, plus a hint of licorice. The medium to full-bodied palate has a firm frame of ripe, rounded tannins and well-knit freshness supporting the muscular black fruits, finishing long with a minty kick.

The 2014 Montlandrie, the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux from Denis Durantou, is a blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon (yes, different to the percentages stated during primeur—happy to correct it now!). It offers attractive red cherry, wild strawberry and pastille-like scents on the pure bouquet, though maybe I discern a little more complexity on Denis' two Lalande-de-Pomerols, La Chenade and Les Cruzelles. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin. This feels a little compact at the moment (possibly because of the low pressure system on the day that I tasted?), although there is still commendable depth of fruit and a gentle grip on the persistent finish. I would just give this a couple more years in bottle. Drink Date 2019-2029

I love the aromas of blackberries and chocolate with flowers. Full body, soft and velvety tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Gorgeous red. Drink or hold.

Very dark. Very sumptuous and likely to be VGV. Explosive and very vibrant. Drink 2018 - 2025.

The new Côtes de Castillon vineyard of famous Pomerol winemaker Denis Durantou of L'Eglise Clinet (first vintage was 2009). 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. Aged in 50% new oak.. Always modestly priced, this is a wine that gives brilliant value for money. The Merlot was picked from the 1st October until the 9th October - with the Cabernets also picked on the 9th. Deep ruby. Floral and ripe with blue and black fruits on the nose. Very perfumed. Big and robust on the palate with plenty of structure and ripe tannin that is mouthfilling but ripe and balanced by a ripe core of plum and black cherry. This is full bodied with a real denisty and power, and will need a few years before being ready in bottle.

Ripe and forward, with a bold core of anise and cassis flavors that is carried by a well-embedded graphite spine. Shows toasted spice and anise hints on the finish but retains a racy feel. Drink now through 2024. 3,467 cases made.

Spring violets the nose is very fragrant and the palate is light fresh with red fruits. There is mid depth sweetness and richness but at the back the fresh fruits are to the fore the finish light with a bramble bilberry mix. 2019-28

Denis Durantou is rightly excited about the quality of this wine in 2014 because it's superb (and great value). Chalky, mineral and fresh, with hints of Asian spices, toasty oak and plump black fruits underpinned by a sappy, almost saline brightness. Hard to believe it's only a Castillon.