Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

This 2006 was a tale of 1/2 of the bottle decanted in a wide decanter and the other 1/2 left in bottle. The bottom 1/2 bottle better than the 2 hour decant. The decanted part lost complete Bordeaux character, mid palate and depth. A shorter decant was in order, but that doesn’t mean this 06 is waning. It has another 7–10 yrs from bottle.

2006 was the vintage that followed the grand 2005 vintage, not an entirely fair growing seasons. Based on the 2005 vintage, the Bordelaise overpriced the 2006 vintage. The Bordelaise disappointed in the price they sold 2005’s looked to make up their perceived losses in 2006. Except, the quality wasn’t the same. Not even close.

The nose shows brambly, ripe; blackberries, black raspberries, both plums, dark cherries and lean raspberry edges. Dark, rich earth with dry leaves, dark chocolate bar, mid berry cola. steeped black tea, charcoal, graphite, soft, fresh tobacco, used leather,. softy layered baking spices, black licorice-tarriness, dry river stones, dry limestone powder/bits, dark, red florals with fresh, blooming violets & understated lavender.

The palate is ripe, juicy w/ medium, rounded tannins. Ripe; blackberries, black raspberries, both plums, dark cherries, strawberries and lean raspberry. Dark, rich earth with dry leaves, dark & slightly melted chocolate, mid berry cola. steeped black tea, charcoal, graphite, soft, fresh tobacco, used leather, softy layered baking spices-nutmeg, clove, cinnamon & vanillin, mid dark spices w/ some palate heat, black licorice-tarriness, dry herbs, dry river stones, dry limestone powder/bits, dry top soil, moist, grey, volcanic clay, dark, red florals with fresh, blooming violets & understated lavender, very nice acidity, nicely balanced, well structured/tensioned w/ an elegant finish that lasts a minute plus and lands on earth & spice with mid intensity palate heat.

92 decanted. 93 the bottom 1/2 of the bottle, not decanted. — 5 hours ago

Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

9.4

17 Gonon smoked 05 Clape — 13 days ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.1

2017 vintage. Surprising length of finish that went on and on. Some initial richness up front before the usual, St. Estèphe tannic embrace. 4.23.26. — a month ago

Ron Siegel

9.6

One of the great vintages of Montrose showing mostly black fruits with sweet savory spices, tobacco notes. This was rich, full bodied that kept developing in the glass — 7 days ago

Ron Siegel

9.3

Red & black fruits, cassis, spice box, cedar, leather & tobacco — 12 days ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Poured into a decanter about an hour prior to service. The 1983 pours a deep, slightly hazy garnet color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of ripe and desiccated dark cherry, blackberry, dried purple flowers, Poblano pepper, coffee, beef roast, earth and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin (integrated) and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. This bottle of the 1983 was absolutely singing tonight and I found it to be a lovely pairing with braised pheasant. Drink now through 2033+. — a month ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

2020 vintage. Has it all and right now. Picked up for $34.99 at Trader Joe’s. PNP or decant…your choice. 5.13.26. — 10 days ago

Ron Siegel

9.3

A pair of 16’s off of Buccan’s list in PB. Way too young but started to develop slowly with air. I enjoyed both but leaned more to the Beausejour Duffau. — 17 days ago

Mark S.

9.0

Always good ample aroma including black currant, berry and cherry. Leather. Slightly solid. Better to wait for years. Rafon Rochet 17 @3080, Galeri, 260518 — 4 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Medium Ruby with aromas of black and red fruits with floral spice notes. On the palate flavors of cherry and blackberry with smoke and tobacco notes. Generous acidity on fine soft tannins with a long finish ending with fruit and floral spice. Drinking well now! — a month ago