Chateau Montlandrie, Cotes de Castillon, 2019

2019 turned out to be Denis Durantou’s swansong. He was a remarkably talented man, who always captured the vintage and at times mastered it. His 2013s are a case in point – few vignerons could reach those heights in such a drab year. His 2019s will be his last creations, his farewell gifts to the world. These are generous, beautifully textured wines, full of energy and vim. Produced from 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, this must rank up there with the very best Montlandries. It is as sumptuous as the 2015, with a new level of refinement and precision. Denis was always very proud of the vineyard here and the ‘Ferrari’ clones he planted. Since 2014 they have provided a wonderful Cabernet fragrance, a high toned, more focussed and classical style than the Lalande de Pomerols. Blackcurrants, cedar, spice and bright red berries. There’s wonderful detail here, lots of mineral content, as well as a floral quality to the fruit. Bright and focussed, this finishes with purposeful tannins coated with liquorice and sweet griotte.