La Dame de Montrose

2017

Wine Advocate 92: The 2017 La Dame de Montrose is a blend of 49% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, aged in 30% new and 70% one-year old barrels for 12 months. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps from the glass with warm red currants, black cherries and black raspberry scents, followed by earthy/underbrush notions plus hints of violets, dark chocolate and pencil lead. Medium to full-bodied and firm, with loads of mouth-coating juicy fruit, it has a velvety texture and long, mineral-laced finish. It should be approachable pretty much from the get-go, although don't let its precociousness make you underestimate its aging potential. Nicely done!

James Suckling 94: Very pure and attractive red cherries, plums and wild herbs on the nose here. Impressive polish and poise on the palate. The cabernet fits really beautifully into the merlot, delivering cassis, ripe red plums and spiced mulberries. A blend of 49% merlot, 43% cabernet sauvignon, 4% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot. Second wine of Château Montrose. Drink or hold.

Decanter 94: Generous nose filled with sweet blackcurrant fruit. This is dense and impactful, chewy with fine but grippy tannins making their presence known straight away. I love the texture though, it's mouth coating in the best way - refined, with bright berry fruit and liquorice edges, particularly on the finish. Everything feels in balance with plenty going on and lots to like. A blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot (which is unusual because normally there is a majority of Merlot) with 3% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot.

Wine Enthusiast 92: The second wine of Montrose shows tannins and great freshness from the black-currant flavors and succulent acidity.