I thought this was the nicer of the two reds served during the night, which comes of as a surprise considering the vintage and varietal (not much of a Bordeaux drinker you see). Contrary to general expectations of the vintage, I didn't find this 11' Montrose too tannic nor too austere. It was powerful and concentrated, yet racy, with fine, mouth-filling tannins. Lots of black fruits, plastered on a backdrop of camphor, herbs, cedar, and minerally pebbles. As big as this may be, I found it more open and balanced compared to the 14' Clos Vougeot (food may have played a role too). Drank well, reciprocating claims that the vilified vintage has finally turned around.
I thought this was the nicer of the two reds served during the night, which comes of as a surprise considering the vintage and varietal (not much of a Bordeaux drinker you see). Contrary to general expectations of the vintage, I didn't find this 11' Montrose too tannic nor too austere. It was powerful and concentrated, yet racy, with fine, mouth-filling tannins. Lots of black fruits, plastered on a backdrop of camphor, herbs, cedar, and minerally pebbles. As big as this may be, I found it more open and balanced compared to the 14' Clos Vougeot (food may have played a role too). Drank well, reciprocating claims that the vilified vintage has finally turned around.
Feb 8th, 2022
The power of blending: grapes but different vintages too in Bordeaux! Juicy, good structure, freshness, chewy tannins, the future of Bordeaux?
The power of blending: grapes but different vintages too in Bordeaux! Juicy, good structure, freshness, chewy tannins, the future of Bordeaux?
Oct 25th, 2014
Approachable, but clearly in need of more bottle age. Another one I am interested to track over time as I feel it will improve greatly.
Approachable, but clearly in need of more bottle age. Another one I am interested to track over time as I feel it will improve greatly.
Feb 6th, 2014
Medium deep ruby , slightly wider more garnet rim . Spicy cassis and grafite , with some wood spice on the nose , quite austere and aloof . On the palate nice grafite tinged cassis , with mineral backbone , slightly austere personality. Refreshing acidity and slightly grippy tannins . Ok length . This is quite an austere wine at the moment with just enough mid palate to cover the bones . This needs a little more time , 2-3 years perhaps and will last well a further 6-10, but I don’t think this has the fruit for long term aging .
Medium deep ruby , slightly wider more garnet rim . Spicy cassis and grafite , with some wood spice on the nose , quite austere and aloof . On the palate nice grafite tinged cassis , with mineral backbone , slightly austere personality. Refreshing acidity and slightly grippy tannins . Ok length . This is quite an austere wine at the moment with just enough mid palate to cover the bones . This needs a little more time , 2-3 years perhaps and will last well a further 6-10, but I don’t think this has the fruit for long term aging .
May 9th, 2024
Dense black currant and creme de cassis. Faint cigar box, dried soil, and graphite. Powdery tannins with very smooth consistency. Hour decant. Christmas steak with charred leek and anchovy butter.
Dense black currant and creme de cassis. Faint cigar box, dried soil, and graphite. Powdery tannins with very smooth consistency. Hour decant. Christmas steak with charred leek and anchovy butter.
Dec 26th, 2022
All class, all sophistication. Lots of black fruit, currants, cedar, earth. A touch of oak, well balanced acidity and fruit. Can age well much longer. Beautiful long finish. Very savory. Smoke meats and salt. Dark chocolate and dusts of graphite also noticed. 13%
All class, all sophistication. Lots of black fruit, currants, cedar, earth. A touch of oak, well balanced acidity and fruit. Can age well much longer. Beautiful long finish. Very savory. Smoke meats and salt. Dark chocolate and dusts of graphite also noticed. 13%
Mar 20th, 2022
St. Estèphe, Médoc, Bordeaux, France
