Denis Durantou's Legacy
It isn't every day you hear a lady calling herself "a heartless cow" for not giving 100 points to Château Margaux 2015 (Paul Pontelllier's last vintage), like wine critic Lisa Perrotti-Brown just did yesterday. To make up for her past hesitancy, maybe, she went on to say this about Château L'Eglise Client 2019 (Denis Durantou's last vintage):
"This L’Eglise Clinet is difficult to review, not because it is Durantou’s last wine, but because beyond all the quality factors, this wine so clearly, evocatively tells a story of a man’s life and achievements like very, very few wines can. How many points is that worth? For me, it’s off the scale."
That statement about Denis Durantou's winemaking prowess should not come as surprise to subscribers of Laguna Cellar Wine of the Month Selections.
Just in the past six months, we have featured Denis Durantou's wine twice, once before we knew how dire his health conditions were, once 10 days after his premature passing.
I am a big fan of Denis Durantou. That is an understatement. One has to taste Durantou's wine blind, get to know the life story behind the winemaker, to have a sense of utmost respect for his accomplishments.
Here you can read about our last recommendation. I still remember the first time when I tasted Château L'Eglise Clinet blind. Not knowing what was in the glass or who was behind it, I was left with a sense of awe after sipping away at this mystery.
It was a 10-year old bottle with so much vibrancy in it that we were left with a bit of regret of having opened it so young.
Yet it was so enjoyable that we felt living in the moment. That is how I will always remember Denis Durantou.
Château Les Cruzelles 2019
"This wine is produced by Denis Darantou and family of Château L’Eglise-Clinet. Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 Les Cruzelles (a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc) opens with powerful black fruit scents of ripe blackberries, black cherries and mulberries with underlying floral notions of lilacs and wilted roses and hints of dark chocolate, fertile loam and mossy tree bark.
The medium to full-bodied palate is chock-full of expressive, crunchy black fruits, framed by chunky tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with a peppery kick." - Lisa Perrotti-Btown, robertparker.com, (June 14, 2020), Rating: 90-92, $23.95
Saintayme 2019
"Produced by Denis Darantou and family of Château L’Eglise-Clinet, made from 100% Merlot, the 2019 Saintayme has a deep garnet-purple color.
It explodes from the glass with bombastic notes of stewed plums, baked black cherries and fruitcake with hints of mocha, unsmoked cigars and fragrant soil plus a waft of Chinese five spice.
Medium to full-bodied, rich and decadent in the mouth, it has a solid foundation of chewy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing spicy." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, robertparker.com, (June 14, 2020), Rating: 90-92, $15.55
Château Montlandrie 2019
"The 2019 Montlandrie is a blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. It comes bounding out of the glass with bright, cheerful scents of warm redcurrants, Morello cherries, wild blueberries and boysenberries with touches of lavender, red roses, cinnamon stick and cast-iron pan.
Wow. I LOVE this energy on the elegantly styled, medium-bodied palate. The red and black fruit layers practically dance, intermingled with grainy (Cabernet-like) tannins and tons of freshness. It has a satisfyingly long, fragrant finish.
Truly impressive!" - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, robertparker.com, (June 14, 2020), Rating: 93-95, $19.95
Château L'Eglise Clinet 2019
"Produced by Denis Darantou and family of Château L’Eglise-Clinet, made from 100% Merlot, the 2019 Saintayme has a deep garnet-purple color.
It explodes from the glass with bombastic notes of stewed plums, baked black cherries and fruitcake with hints of mocha, unsmoked cigars and fragrant soil plus a waft of Chinese five spice.
Medium to full-bodied, rich and decadent in the mouth, it has a solid foundation of chewy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing spicy." - Lisa Perrotti-Btown, robertparker.com, (June 14, 2020), Rating: 98-100, (Yet to be released)
