Paul Jakubowski

9.5

1hr decant. Medium purple color. Nose contained graphite, pencil shavings, and dark cherries. Wine was deep and coated my teeth and mouth. That being said it seemed very young and tight. Definitely give this a lot of air and a few more years. Excellent QPR. Was torn between 94/95, so gave it the benefit of the doubt based on the excellent, silky texture. — 7 days ago

with Brooke

Jeff Hasmann

9.7

For the fifth and sixth wines of the week, it’s time to raid the cellar. Drinking the ‘05 Cos d’Estournel next to the ‘05 Montrose. For me, aged Cos d’Estournel is the ultimate expression of Bordeaux. Big, tannic, and layered - a wine you don’t think about touching for 15 years. Perhaps because it was my first introduction to fine wine way back in the early ‘90s, Cos has always held a special place for me and, my oh my, the ‘05 does not disappoint. At 78 Cab / 19 Merlot, the wine has the highest proportion of Cabernet in recent memory and is just now entering its ideal drinking window. Deep ruby in color with a bit of bricking, the bouquet opens after a bit of air. Ripe black currants, plum, tobacco leaf, cedar box, and leather on the nose. Also noticeable are prominent hints of incense, a characteristic that is unique to Cos in the best vintages. The entry on the palate is rich and layered evolving with each sip. Layers of ripe black fruit, black tea, graphite, chocolate-covered cherries, and graphite are evident. The tannins are strong but smooth, and hold the layers together in beautiful harmony.. The finish is long and pervasive with strong notes of cassis lingering. Honestly, St Estephe doesn’t get any better than this. A wine to savor over many hours. It has a long life ahead and will improve further with proper cellaring. 2005 vintage on April 20, 2020 — a month ago

John Adams

9.6

This is one of the best wines I have ever had. I still am amazed that it is 31 years old. It is youthful with black and blue fruits, elegance, structure, and a finish — 3 months ago

Jeff Hasmann

9.6

Sixth and final wine of the week from the cellar. Tasted next to the 2005 Cos d’Estournel. Like the Cos, the Montrose presents as a classic, traditional St Estephe that is just entering its drinking window. The blend is 65 Cabernet / 31 Merlot and the color is so dark as to look almost black. The nose is still shy, but with a bit of air, opens to reveal ripe red berries, bay leaf, cedar, and graphite. The palate is smooth and full-bodied with a spine of strong tannins evident. Layers of ripe red fruit, almost black, cloves, cocoa, and earthiness evolve over time. The secondary flavors are just beginning to emerge. What is impressive about this wine is the power, purity of fruit, and tannic structure. The fruit is more evident than in the Cos and the tannins are bigger and stronger. This wine is probably about 3 years behind the Cos in its development. The tannins and power of this wine are impressive. Believe me - both the Cos and the Montrose are world class wines from a great vintage. I would not be surprised if the Montrose is still drinking well in 50 years. 2005 vintage on April 20, 2020 — a month ago

Emily Kresie-Harrington

9.2

2015 vintage. Deep and brooding with fine-grained tannins and very dark fruit profile. Black currant, blackberry, raspberry liqueur, graphite, cedar, grilled tarragon, autumn leaves. — 2 months ago

Sarah O'Kelley

9.1

Same night that I opened up the dame de montrose with age I also opened up this lovely number and I actually ended up drinking it with our steak while my partner drink the Bord. I just love these wines they are so pure and delicious! Dark fruit and earth but juicy and fresh! — 3 months ago

Eric LaMasters

9.3

Lots of leather and funk. Reminiscent of an old Chateau Montrose. — 6 days ago

with Craig and Aaron

Thijs Hendriks

9.5

Drinking beautiful now! — a month ago

Kevin Løk

9.0

Shout out to Montrose Cheese & Wine, a great local joint where I bought this, and a place I hope is still around in a few months.

The wine is everything you could want in a Lambrusco. Dry, bright, red fruits, and a super soft minerality that feels like it must be destroying decades of dental work. Very very nice. — 2 months ago

with Caroline

Kevin Løk

9.1

Crisp and tasty from my girl June!
Available only at Montrose Cheese and Wine! — 5 months ago

with Caroline