Red currants, autumn berry, clove, baking spices, mushroom. This could keep aging. Super well balanced and it still has its acidity, tannins (imagine smooth, round river stones in terms of mouth feel), and fruit is all there.
It’s fall and the golden and red autumn leaves are gently fluttering through the air, coating the forest path before you. An elegant Irish Setter is trotting through the foliage just ahead. This dog is sooo happy you’re outside with them. This is everything. Drink this wine while petting this dog.
I had a baby this past year and I’m now back with my reviews! #winesandwoofs — 2 months ago
The 2016 Montrose is a supremely gifted Saint-Estèphe. Very harmonious and precise on the nose, faint hints of mocha and freshly rolled tobacco are behind those floral scents, black rather than red fruit. The palate has very fine tannins, extraordinarily harmonious with a nigh-perfect line of acidity. There is a subtle crescendo that leaves you utterly smitten by its charms, a touch of graphite on the finish. I just have the feeling that this might close up for a while. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at the Icons of Bordeaux dinner at Legacy Records in New York. (Neal Martin, Vinous, May 2024)
— 7 months ago
Pitted against the 19’ Grivot Boudots in our little “Vosne-side of NSG” blind shootout, this was the more “smash-mouth” wine of the two. I thought the nose was really flamboyant, with very obvious creamy new oak; and richer notes like ripe plums, mocha, and touch of truffles. It felt darker in general, especially the fruit (more dark fruits, though red fruits were present) and floral notes (violets instead of roses). Both were similarly powerful on the palate, but the oak and fruit seemed to have overwhelmed the more energetic mineral character by the end of dinner. Having said all that, it was still an amazing wine and one with vibrancy, but it just lacked the transparency of the Grivot which I preferred. Perhaps time will bring it more balance. Notably, it had 0.5% more abv than the Grivot when revealed (14% vs 13.5%). — 4 months ago
The 2016 Canon has a clean and fresh nose. The fruit profile is a mixture of red and black with just a hint of black truffle and licorice (the latter a trait that I had not picked up before). The palate is medium-bodied with finer tannins than the bottle four years ago, has a little more assertiveness and grip in situ, and is perhaps firmer and prepared for long-term maturation. It's precise on the finish. I would give this another few years in bottle. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at the Icons of Bordeaux dinner at Legacy Records in New York. (Neal Martin, Vinous, May 2024)
— 7 months ago
Another oldie, probably just past its peak. 38 years old - not bad! Barn-sided red with some brick on the edge. Lots of cedar, graphite, black pepper and cigar ash to smell but little fruit. Nice smooth tannins, still a little puckering. Medium acidity. For flavor there are some darker berries and red cherry notes. It’s a nicely balanced wine. Good length on the finish. — 6 months ago
The last bottle at Mick’s Cellar tasting last Saturday and what a finale it was. Amazingly rich and full bodied for a 42 year old wine from the fabulous 1982 vintage in Bordeaux. One of the best wines (probably top 3) I’ve ever had was the 1982 Chateau Margaux and this nearby neighbour just reinforces that tasting some years ago. Plenty of red and black berry. Full bodied and delicious, still with a future. Supple fluid tannins with a loong finish. A treat to taste this. Thanks Mick. — 6 months ago
Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego
2019 vintage. From Magnum. Medium body up front with that pirouetting away at the end and finishing with a lighter footprint. Drinking great now and just dropped into cruise control for the next 2.5 decades. Great effort. 12.11.24. — 10 days ago