【Denis Durantou | The Legend of Bordeaux Winemakers | His final work before his passing in 2020】【A classic Right Bank farewell vintage, a rising star from Castillon, an elegant Merlot-dominant red wine.】
WF893A - Chateau Montlandrie 2017 Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux
Price: $265@
Special offer for 3 btls: $714 (averaging $238@)
Region / Classification: France, Castillon Côtes de BordeauxGrape Varieties: 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet SauvignonAlcohol Content: 14.5%Volume: 750mlPalate: Layers of blackberry jam, plum compote, bay leaf, charcoal and crushed stone intertwine in the 2017 Château Montlandrie red wine. Medium-bodied, its firm yet refined tannic structure delivers a beautiful freshness, accompanied by a mineral-tinged finish. Juicy fruit notes of black plum, redcurrant and black cherry intertwine, subtly accented by hints of cigar box, yeast extract, olive paste and undergrowth. The finish concludes with fresh vitality and mineral tones, revealing an elegant and enduring charm.
James Suckling 93 pts—Fascinating aromas of white pepper, dark berries, dark chocolate and dried flowers. Medium-bodied, tight and tannic, yet the tannins are fine and angular. Bright acidity. Shows drive and focus. Extremely well done. Better after 2022.Vinous 91 pts—A blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Montlandrie gives up notes of crushed black plums, red currants and black cherries with suggestions of cigar box, yeast extract, tapenade and underbrush. Medium-bodied with a solid backbone of firm, grainy tannins, it has beautiful freshness and a mineral-tinged finish.Wine Enthusiast 92 pts—This spicy, smoky wine has layers of black fruits, ripe tannins and a juicy finish of acidity. It is already delicious, complex and full of further potential. Drink from late 2020.
Château Montlandrie was acquired and rebuilt in 2009 by Denis Durantou, a renowned Bordeaux winemaker. The proprietor of Château L'Église-Clinet, a premier cru classé in Pomerol, brought his masterful winemaking philosophy to the Castillon region, transforming this once unremarkable estate into a rising star on the Right Bank. The estate's history dates back to the late 19th century, founded by an Italian family. The ancient stone tower standing at the heart of the vineyards remains its iconic landmark. Denis Durantou not only owned L'Église-Clinet but also managed several other estates, including Saintayme (Saint-Émilion) and Les Cruzelles (Lalande de Pomerol), renowned for rigorous vineyard management and meticulous winemaking. Regrettably, Denis passed away in 2020. His three daughters, Constance, Noëmie and Alix, have taken over the estate. Noëmie serves as winemaker, continuing her father's legacy of excellence alongside long-term partner Olivier Gautrat. Today, the estate not only produces wine but has also developed olive oil and truffle oak projects, demonstrating a vision for diversified sustainable development.
The vineyards of Château Montlandrie lie upon the limestone plateau of Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, spanning 12 hectares in total. Facing south-facing slopes and reaching elevations of nearly 90 metres, they enjoy exceptional sun exposure and drainage. The soil composition of limestone, clay and gravel mirrors the classic terroir of Saint-Émilion, yet offers high-quality wines at a more accessible price point. The vineyard is divided into 15 parcels, planted at a density of 6,000 vines per hectare, with an average vine age of approximately 25 years. Red grape varieties comprise Merlot (75%), Cabernet Franc (20%), and Cabernet Sauvignon (5%, featuring new clones introduced since 2009). These vines undergo rigorous green harvesting, leaf thinning, and yield control to ensure concentrated flavour in each grape. White grapes constitute a minor portion (approximately 0.8 hectares, including Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon), primarily used for other experimental wines. The 2017 harvest concluded between 20th and 26th September for Merlot, with Cabernet varieties picked on 28th September, avoiding frost damage. Yields amounted to approximately 43,000 bottles. Vinification employs small-batch, temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel vats (24 to 82 hectolitres), enabling plot-by-plot processing. The wine is then aged for 14 months in 40% new French oak barrels, imparting a silky texture and subtle spice layers. This meticulous craftsmanship establishes Montlandrie as a benchmark in Castillon, achieving a perfect equilibrium of power and elegance.
