In Bond Fine Wine. 2020 Château Montlandrie, Castillon, Bordeaux, France. Red Bordeaux in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 94/100 (AG). Drinking window: 2023–2039. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
Made by the talented Durantou family. One of the best wines from Castillon, from its highest slope, Montlandrie gets better every year. Production is small and the wine is typically 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Neal Martin (NM) — 88–90/100 · Vinous, 28/05/2021 · Drink 2025 - 2035
The 2020 Montlandrie was picked September 18'25 and matured in 40% new oak. It has an exuberant, ripe bouquet, a mixture of red and blueberry fruit, crushed violets and potpourri aromas surfacing with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, sweet and sensual, although I find less complexity on the finish compared directly with its siblings, La Chenade and Les Cruzelles. Still,…
James Suckling (JS) — 92–93/100 · JamesSuckling.com, 23/05/2021
Very salty and tangy with some white pepper, too, as well as lots of blackberries and blueberries. Medium body with delicate yet firm tannins that show intensity. Firm finish.
Antonio Galloni (AG) — 94/100 · Vinous, 23/02/2023 · Drink 2025-2035
The 2020 Montlandrie, the Durantou family's Cotes de Castillon, is fabulous. It is another very serious wine in this range. A core of dark Merlot fruit gradually opens, releasing complicating notes of spice, leather, incense and licorice. There's real depth and gravitas. A few years in the cellar seem prudent, as there is a lot of wine here. The purity of the flavors is just striking.