Château Montlandrie 2017

Cassis and plum notes lead the way here, followed by singed mesquite, tobacco and mineral details. Delivers ripeness and heft as well as good cut and freshness. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2028. 3,583 cases made.

This has great aromatics right off the bat and a creaminess to the fruit. Yet there’s still freshness delivered by menthol notes on the finish, along with tight spices. This is a young Cabernet Sauvignon that is already pulling its weight. Firm, bright, with real finesse and confidence. Good for medium-term drinking. No frost here, which makes winemaker Denis Durantou very lucky as some parts of Castillon were pretty badly hit. Merlot picked 20–26 September, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon 28 September. Production this year expected to be 43,000 bottles, 40% new oak used.

Fascinating aromas of white pepper, dark berries, dark chocolate and dried flowers. Medium-bodied, tight and tannic, yet the tannins are fine and angular. Bright acidity. Shows drive and focus. Extremely well done. Better after 2022.

The 2017 Montlandrie was picked from 20 to 26 September for the Merlot and 28 September for the Cabernets, and matured in 40% new oak. It has a small reduction on the nose at the moment, but that will disappear with bottle age. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, very silky in texture with hints of Indian and brown spices towards the elegant finish. Approachable in style, drink this over the next decade.

A deep, shimmery ruby, the wine shows sweetness and flesh. Red fruits are highlighted with licorice and cocoa. If you like them young, Rubenesque, with primary fruit and a little sugar on top, you can drink this upon release. The wine is a blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Purple garnet with ruby reflections. Gorgeous wild-berry cocktail, followed by dried rosemary and sandalwood. On the straight palate, a silky texture and finely grained extract with delicate kernel tones. Aromatic finish with black-berry contours, juniper, ending with that typical Castillon astringency.

Kunz barrel sample 18: (75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, production 43,000 bottles) Floral, fragrant, delicate bouquet, raspberry, currant, mint, subtle licorice. Silky, finely structured, elegant palate with good fruit, plenty of fine tannins, powerful aromatics, and a delicate finish.

(75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, production 43,000 bottles) Floral, fragrant, delicate bouquet, raspberry, redcurrant, mint, subtle licorice. Silky, finely structured, elegant palate with good fruit, plenty of fine tannins, intense aromatics, refined finish. 17/20 2024 - 2036

A blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2017 Montlandrie is deep garnet-colored. It pops out of the glass with notes of redcurrant jelly, kirsch, and blackberry preserves, leading to slowly evolving notes of powdered cinnamon, star anise, dusty soil, and tobacco. The medium to full-bodied palate is achingly plush with seamless freshness supporting the bright fruit, finishing long and earthy.

Good intensity with a touch of austerity, a deep, slightly dry finish.

Montlandrie is a little restrained at the moment. It reveals subtle notes of cocoa beans and mint. After a bit of aeration, blackberry aromas emerge. The attack is gourmand and slightly creamy. The wine has good tannins; they are compact, with fine grain, and provide solid support, while the acidic structure brings freshness. A wine that will continue to gain in expression. A little patience is needed.

Logo on the cork: CB Dark, intense, and vibrant color. Very aromatic nose with ripe, deep fruit. Delicate on the attack, smooth as it develops, with a superb mouthfeel and plenty of brilliance in the flavor; the wine finishes long and savory, on fine-grained tannins.

This spicy, smoky wine has layers of black fruits, ripe tannins and a juicy finish of acidity. It is already delicious, complex and full of further potential. Drink from late 2020.