2020 Château Montlandrie

Very minerally with crushed stone and limestone. Black berries and blueberries. Violets. Full-bodied with tight and firm tannins and lovely length. Tannic and firm. Needs time to soften and come together. But beautiful and solid. Try after 2026. (03/2023)

From a Castillon estate purchased and replanted in 2009, the 2020 Château Montlandrie checks in as 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon that was brought up in 40% new French oak. This balanced, medium to full-bodied Castillon reveals plenty of red and black fruit as well as some real limestone character in its floral, violet, and chalky rock-like nuances. I love its balance, and it has ripe tannins and the purity and precision that make this vintage so compelling. It will drink well for 10-15 years. (03/2023)

A blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2020 Montlandrie has a deep garnet-purple color. It is slightly closed to start, needing some patient swirling to bring out notes of black and red cherries, juicy plums, and licorice, followed by hints of Sichuan pepper, tar, and underbrush. The full-bodied palate has a fine-grained texture and alluring tension to frame the tightly wound black and red fruit, finishing long and minerally. (06/2024)