2023 Montlandrie

The 2023 Château Montlandrie is a complex blend of 55% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc, and it was brought up in 50% new French oak. A terrific sense of minerality as well as impressive darker cherry and currant fruits, leafy herbs, and spice all define the aromatics, and it's medium-bodied, with a beautifully layered texture and ripe tannins.

Tobacco, flowers, spices, cherries, and mint form the aromatic profile. The medium-bodied palate balances between its vibrant energy, and its sweet, and spicy, bright, red fruit side. There is elegance, and length in the red, pit fruit finish. Give it a year or two in the cellar, and enjoy it for 15 or more years. The wine blends 55% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 20% Cabernet Franc. 14.5% ABV.

A plot of Cabernet Sauvignon planted in 2021 came on line this year, so there is more Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend of the 2023 Montlandrie than usual. The blend is 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 55% Merlot and it is deep garnet-purple in color. It charges out of the glass with powerful notes of baked plums, black cherry preserves, and black raspberries, followed by hints of mint tea, clove oil, Indian spices, and fragrant soil. The full-bodied palate is jam-packed with expressive black fruit layers, framed by velvety tannins and bags of freshness, finishing long and opulent.