Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (66%), Merlot (22%), Cabernet Franc (6.5%) and Petite Verdot (5.5%). Aromas of dark berry and plum fruit, menthol, graphite and violets. The palate is full of black berry/currant/plum/cherry fruit with hints of dark chocolate, dried herbs and minerals. Long and lingering finish with well integrated oak. Medium/plus bodied. Smooth tannins and quite a silky/creamy texture. Excellent balance of fruit and tertiary notes. Drinking well now, and should continue to improve over the next few years. Thank you for sharing, James W. — 4 days ago

Paul T HB

9.4

Highly drinkable for being so young,
Suckling 97 review as follows

Currant, red-tea, chili, chocolate and lemon-zest aromas. Chalk and crushed gravel, too. It’s medium-bodied with tight, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. Sleek and tight with crunchy berry, mineral and zesty notes on the finish. Complex. Pretty center palate to this. Extremely polished. Try from 2025. - James Suckling
Vinous 95

The 2018 Tour Saint Christophe represents a new level of elegance, precision and finesse for this estate in Saint-Émilion's Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes district. Silky and exceptionally polished, the 2018 oozes class. Moreover, the heavy extraction and strong torrefaction notes that marked previous vintages of the recent past have been replaced by beautifully precise, vibrant fruit. Tour Saint Christophe is one of best values in Saint-Émilion. I haven't always loved Tour Saint Christoph, but I love the 2018. It's a fabulous effort from Technical Director Jérôme Aguirre and his team. Don't miss it. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media — 3 years ago

Ryan Vento

9.2

James Suckling says this is Ducru’s second wine. Wine Enthusiast says this is no longer their second wine. Wine Spectator says it’s no longer their second wine...”per se.” I believe the issue in question is where the fruit is sourced from and it appears the fruit is no longer sourced from the same vineyards as the grand vin, thus the reticence to actually call it a true second wine. Call it what you will, it’s delightful. Exhibiting a lovely finesse and balance, the nose is chalk full of mint, clove, red cherries, and tobacco. On the palate ripe blackberries, cherries, and hen of the wood. Fine grained tannins with great balance, this is very drinkable at this point in its lifespan. Medium-bodied, relatively light on its feet, and delicious. Fun Fact: Croix no longer shares a common label with the grand vin; the new label (shown in picture) being an entirely fresh and unique design created by Jade Jagger, daughter of Mick Jagger. — 6 years ago

with Krystal

Anne Richardson

9.0

A very pleasant Syrah! Not as peppery as some, but with enough spicy notes to retain its character. Notes of cherry, pepper and a smidge earthy. — 9 months ago

Amanda Setters

10

One of my top favorites. — 2 years ago

Joy Adams

10

One of my favorites! The berry aroma and flavor is strong with this one. No bitterness whatsoever. Just super-smooth great tasting fruit wine! — 4 years ago

Greg

9.4

Delicious St Emilio from fabulous vintage. So good, I am reluctant to sell the last case I imported. Has a great 10-15 year life ahead. 94 now, I’m on agreement with Jeb, James and Antonio.
Great black cherry, health dose of oak and grip and cherry lozenge. Yum with Bolognese. — 5 years ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (54%), Merlot (38%) and Cabernet Franc (8%). Dark ruby color with purple highlights. Dark fruit aromas with hints of charcoal, bramble, mint and violets. Black cherry leads the palate along with notes of blueberry, plum, currants and dark chocolate. Hint of minerals and fresh herbs on the long finish. Juicy, fresh tasting and well structured. Thanks for sharing, James W. — 2 years ago

Eric Urbani

9.4

Sam Smith of the Smith Madrone wine family. Outstanding, Cheval Blanc-like blend sans the Merlot. Pre-release. 8 years in barrel. 50-50 CF and CS. Only 135 cases. ABV 14.1%. — 3 years ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

Second wine from Montrose in an outstanding vintage.

I’ve thought about opening one for a few years. 15 years is a good check on a Montrose but, at the end of the day, I knew it wasn’t going to be its best self. That takes 20 plus years with Montrose wines in good vintages.

It paired well with the Allen Brothers trio we had; dry aged ribeye, strip steak and Ribcap. Still needs food at this point. It’s going to be at least 5 more years before it expresses more rounded fruit, integration and elegant beauty.

Thanks to James for his perfected, seasoning & grilling techniques using the Green Egg...it is definitely superior.

Photos of, Chateau Montrose, amazingly clean & beautiful barrel room, tasting salon and staff at harvest. — 4 years ago

with James and Christina