CHÂTEAU MONTLANDRIE

The 2023 Montlandrie is a rich, expansive wine. In 2023, the blend includes more Cabernet Sauvignon than in the past, and that comes through in the wine's textural breadth. Succulent dark plum, crème de cassis, lavender, spice, leather, tobacco, incense and dried herbs build effortlessly in the glass, culminating in a broad, resonant finish that is quite striking. This Montlandrie is such a gorgeous and complete wine. Rating: 91-93 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

This is 55% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, which was picked from September 10th for the Merlot, but mainly from the 18th, then followed by the Cabernet Franc starting on September 20th and the Cabernet Sauvignon on September 30th. This is richer in Cabernet Sauvignon than usual, as it includes fruit from a parcel planted in 2021 for the first time. A beautifully pure and convincing nose here, expressive and bright, with a strong Cabernet expression of gorse flowers, orange peel, sweet blackcurrants and griottes. The palate is just as convincing as the nose, with a modest medium-bodied texture but a silky blanket of fruit draped over a firm grip of tannins. This one is going to need time, but it has all that it needs to get there. The alcohol is 14.5% on analysis. Rating: 92-94 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

The 2023 Montlandrie sees a change in composition, as a plot of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon that Noëmie Durantou planted in 2021 enters the blend for the first time. She found the first-pressed wine for the Cabernet Sauvignon impressive, so she also added that to the blend. The result is 55% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, picked between September 18 and 30 and matured in 50% new oak. This new makeup certainly gives it a different aromatic profile than previous vintages: black cherries, cedar and pencil shavings, very focused, more Left-Bank-meets-Right-Bank in style. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. It’s beautifully structured and judiciously spiced with gentle grip on the finish. Together with Les Cruzelles, these wines represent outstanding value for money. This will certainly age well in bottle. Drinking range: 2027 - 2047 Rating: 92-94 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)