Château Montlandrie

Produced by the late 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 it was aged in 40% new oak. Deep garnet-purple colored, it comes storming out of the glass with powerful scents of stewed black plums, boysenberries, blackberry preserves and mocha, giving way to hints of tar, tobacco leaf and black truffles. The medium to full-bodied palate bursts with earth-laced black fruits, supported by finely grained tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and mineral laced. Delicious!

Tasted blind. Relatively complex nose. Concentrated and rather left-bank-like. Drier than most Pomerols rather than luscious. But good wine! GV - Good value.

This is beautifully crafted for this appellation with soft, fine tannins that give the wine tension and focus. It’s medium-to full-bodied with polish and finesse. Really nicely done for this appellation. Give it another two or three years to soften even more. Try after 2022.