La Dame de Montrose
La Dame de Montrose
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Grape Varietal: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot
Country & Region: France | Bordeaux
Alcohol Level (%): 13 - 13.5
Bottle Size: 750ml
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.
Winemaker notes
La Dame de Montrose 2021 is burgundy red with garnet highlights. The initial nose is delicate, spicy and floral. On swirling reveals notes of fresh fruit, cherry and blackcurrant, with a hint of empyreumatic notes. The palate is clean, delicate, round and well-balanced.
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.
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. Better after 2022.
Vinous 91: The 2017 La Dame de Montrose has come together well during its élevage, but it remains a bit burly in feel and in need of more time in bottle to soften some of the edges. Sweet tobacco, cedar, grilled herbs, chocolate, menthol, and licorice add pretty savory and earthy top notes. I would give the 2017 another few years in bottle. It finishes with terrific depth, in the understated style of the year. Tasted two times.
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.
