La Dame de Montrose
La Dame de Montrose
Made to the same rigorous standards as the First Wine, from grapes grown in the same vineyard, La Dame de Montrose is the estate’s second label. Supple and silky Merlot generally predominates in the varietal mix. Its very pronounced red fruit aromas and flavours reflect another expression of the terroir in a distinctive style which is less elaborately complex than that of the First Wine.
Consistently reliable and reaching maturity sooner, the wine was created in 1983 in tribute to Yvonne Charmolüe, who ran Château Montrose single-handedly from 1944 to 1960. Production varies from one year to another but accounts on average for 40 à 45% of the total production of the Montrose vineyard. Aged for 12 months in 30% new french oak barrels.
2015
Wine Advocate 89: The 2015 La Dame de Montrose is deep garnet-purple in color with a nose of crushed black currants, warm black plums and black truffles with hints of underbrush, dried herbs and tar. Medium-bodied, firm and with a good core of earth-laced black fruits, it finishes with good length.
James Suckling 94: A very refined red with berries, chocolate and walnuts. Full body and a round, juicy texture. Spicy and salty. Delicious already. Needs two or three years to come together. Second wine of Château Montrose.
Decanter 92: Dense floral and cassis nose with a minerally graphite base. Very good natural richness of fruit and great purity of expression. A very serious, very exciting second wine.
Wine Enthusiast 94: The second wine of Montrose is seriously structured with dark tannins. It has impressive weight and concentration, a big wine while polished appropriate for this estate. Drink from 2025.
2021
Wine Advocate 90: The 2021 La Dame de Montrose is a worthy counterpoint to the grand vin, shedding a touch of youthful reduction in the glass to reveal aromas of dark berries and plums mingled with exotic spices, orange zest and petals. Medium to full-bodied, suave and sensual, it's layered and complete, with a lively, charming profile.
James Suckling 92: This juicy red shows cedar and berry character, spices and hints of dried roses. Medium body with a savory finish and round and easy tannins. Drink now.
Vinous 92: The 2021 La Dame de Montrose offers lovely immediacy in a plump, juicy style that will offer plenty of near and medium-term appeal. Technical Director Vincent Decup chose gentler extractions, which comes through in the wine's forward, supple personality. Press wines were blended back later to add structure. In 2021 La Dame is not terribly complex, but it is absolutely delicious.
Wine Enthusiast 94: This second-label wine is dense like its older brother, rich in blackberry and cedar aromas. It is solid with black fruits and dense tannins. Drink from 2028.