CHÂTEAU MONTLANDRIE

75 Merlot, 20 Cabernet Franc, 5 Cabernet Sauvignon | 50% new oak | 14% alc | 43000 bottles were produced | The Merlot was picked between the 30 September to 8 October and the Cabernet Franc was picked on the 4 October and the Cabernet Sauvignon was picked on the 7 October. This is a spectacular Montlandrie. I often find this wine rather oppressively oaky and tannic in its youth, but this 2021 is exceptionally civilised, and while it is underpinned with tension and considerable potential, it is already easy to see the beautiful plum and cherry fruit as well as the earthiness and elemental power of its soils. This is a hidden weapon in 2021, and the flavour is akin to a cross between the luxury of Pomerol and the grandeur of Saint-Emilion. Do all you can to secure some stock. Rating: 17.5+ Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (Jun 2022)

Kicks off with the knife-edge austerity of limestone, with a delicate frame and oyster shell salinity, opening to peony floral aromatics and gentle raspberry fruits. Tight overall in its construction, needs to soften over ageing. 50% new oak, harvest September 30 to October 7. Drinking range: 2024 - 2034 Rating: 92 Jane Anson, Decanter (May 2022)

The 2021 Montlandrie, the Durantou family's Lalande de Pomerol, was picked between 30 September and 8 October, matured in 50% new oak. A mélange of red and black fruit on the nose, light liquorice and freshly-rolled tobacco scents surface with just a few swirls. The palate is well structured and focused, fresh and displays well-integrated oak, though perhaps Les Cruzelles as a little more panache at this early stage. Drinking range: 2028 - 2038 Rating: 89-91 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2022)

Kicks off with the knife-edge austerity of limestone, with a delicate frame and oyster shell salinity, opening to peony floral aromatics and gentle raspberry fruits. Tight overall in its construction, needs to soften over ageing. 50% new oak, harvest September 30 to October 7. Drinking range: 2024 - 2034 Rating: 92 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2022)

The 2021 Montlandrie is another attractive wine in this range from the Durantou family. Sweet floral and spice overtones meld into a core of red/purplish berry fruit. In 2021, Montlandrie is a bit on the light side, but all the elements are nicely balanced. Drinking range: 2024 - 2033 Rating: 89-91 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2022)

A blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2021 Montlandrie exhibits aromas of rich berries and cherries mingled with loamy soil, spices and potpourri. Medium to full-bodied, lively and incisive, it's nicely concentrated, with fine depth at the core and a bright, saline finish. Its Côtes de Castillon origins mark this out as the most tensile, mineral wine in the Durantou portfolio. Rating: 90-92 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2022)