Critic Notes
There’s only 5% Cabernet Sauvignon in Denis Durantou’s wine, but it’s remarkable what it brings to the blend. Violet-perfumed, with plum, cassis and blackcurrant leaf complemented by stylish oak and a chalky, minerally freshness. Apr 2016, www.timatkin.com, Drink: 2020-2030
Score: 93-/100Tim AtkinDrinking Window: 2020-2030
A solid core of fruit here. It’s so sexy and exotic with juicy fruit, velvety tannins and a long finish. Bright acidity. Loving it. Mar 2016, JamesSuckling.com
Score: 92-93/100James Suckling
The 2015 Montlandrie is a blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, picked between September 29 and October 8, and matured in 45% new oak. This is perhaps more precocious on the nose compared to Denis Durantou's La Chenade and Les Cruzelles 2015s, gradually revealing an attractive floral, dried rose petal/pot pourri scent as it opens in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, quite grippy in the mouth, the acidity nicely judged here and again, very harmonious and sensual on the finish. You could almost whisk this out of barrel and drink this now, but preferably, give it 4-5 years in bottle. Apr 2016, www.robertparker.com
Score: 91-93/100Neal Martin
There's some zing to this, with black currant, cherry and plum fruit laced with a mouthwatering note of dried anise. This gets a floral lift through the finish, with a graphite note building as well. Mar 2016, James Molesworth, www.WineSpectator.com
Score: 90-93/100Wine Spectator
The 2015 Montlandrie shows just how appealing and delicious the wines of Castillon are this year. Plump, juicy and giving, the 2015 wraps around the palate with striking depth and creaminess. There is plenty of tannin lurking beneath, but it is nearly buried by the intensity of the fruit. Far from an easygoing wine, the 2015 Montlandrie is going to need a few years to be at its best. This is an impressive showing. Montandrie is 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon brought in between September 5 and October 6. Apr 2016, www.Vinous.com
Score: 90-93/100Antonio Galloni
Owned by Denis Durantou's (L'Eglise-Clinet). Vineyard restructured since 2009. Beautiful Merlot expression: berry fruit with a hint of chocolate. Lovely depth of fruit and tannins. Energy and depth on the palate then tannins build to a long finish. Apr 2016, James Lawther MW, www.Decanter.com, Drink: 2020-2030
Score: 91-/100DecanterDrinking Window: 2020-2030
Denis Durantou. 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. 45% new oak. Dark healthy crimson. Sweet and open on the nose - charming even without great concentration. Very sweet start with marked acidity. Not, unlike some Castillons, like a St-Émilion. But competently made. Apr 2016, www.JancisRobinson.com, Drink: 2020-2026
Score: 16-/20Jancis RobinsonDrinking Window: 2020-2026
