Château Montlandrie Bordeaux 2019

Château Montlandrie, located in the Côtes de Castillon appellation on Bordeaux's Right Bank, has gained increasing recognition for producing exceptional value wines under the ownership of the talented Denis Durantou, also famed for his work at Château L’Eglise-Clinet in Pomerol. Acquired in 2009, Montlandrie’s vineyards sit on a limestone plateau, which contributes to the wine’s vibrant freshness and minerality. The blend, typically dominated by Merlot with supporting roles from Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, produces a wine that combines the finesse of the Right Bank with the structure of the Left Bank, making it approachable but capable of aging gracefully.

The 2019 vintage was an outstanding one in Bordeaux, producing wines with great concentration and balance. Warm summer conditions provided ripe, concentrated fruit, while cool nights preserved acidity and freshness, resulting in a complex, well-structured wine.

Appearance: Deep garnet with purple hues, showing excellent clarity and concentration.

Aroma: Expressive and intense, with ripe blackberries, plum, and blackcurrant at the forefront. Subtle layers of violet, graphite, and earthy notes emerge, alongside hints of cedar and spice from the oak aging.

Taste: Full-bodied and velvety, with rich flavours of blackcurrant, blackberry, and dark plum, complemented by notes of dark chocolate, tobacco, and a hint of clove. The limestone terroir imparts a refreshing minerality and precision, while the tannins are firm yet silky, providing structure without overpowering the wine. The vibrant acidity brings freshness and balance, lifting the ripe fruit flavours and adding complexity.

Finish: Long and refined, with persistent notes of black fruits, graphite, and a touch of sweet spice. The finish is elegant and fresh, with the well-integrated tannins leaving a polished and smooth impression.

Food Pairing: This wine pairs beautifully with roast lamb with rosemary and garlic, where its tannins and fruit complement the rich, savoury flavours. It would also be a great match for duck breast with a blackcurrant sauce, where the wine’s acidity and dark fruit mirror the dish’s sweetness and richness.