Château Montrose
La Dame de Montrose Saint-Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend
St. Estèphe, Médoc, Bordeaux, France
The second wine of Chateau Montrose. 91 but if I rounded up with more time in the glass, 92.
Nose not entirely expressive. Not a surprise as this Chateau makes wine for the ages. Nice soft fruits of, dark cherries, blackberries & strawberries. Sandstone, dry herbs, some light non distinct earth with bright red flowers, red roses framed in dark, dry flowers.
The palate is good but is begging to remain in bottle. Nice soft, ripe, fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries. Dark chocolate bar, some chocolate pudding, moist clay, dark spices w/ just a touch of heat, moist herbs-sage, sandalwood, dry tobacco, little in the way of baking spices-clove leading the way, mocha, very little caramel notes, dry top soil, river stone, withering to dry, dark, red flowers with liquid violets, beautiful acidity and a well knitted/made, balanced, nicely tensioned finish that lands on some fruit, clay & soft spice.
Very good value here but would not open one for another 10 years.
The second wine of Chateau Montrose. 91 but if I rounded up with more time in the glass, 92.
Nose not entirely expressive. Not a surprise as this Chateau makes wine for the ages. Nice soft fruits of, dark cherries, blackberries & strawberries. Sandstone, dry herbs, some light non distinct earth with bright red flowers, red roses framed in dark, dry flowers.
The palate is good but is begging to remain in bottle. Nice soft, ripe, fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, dark cherries. Dark chocolate bar, some chocolate pudding, moist clay, dark spices w/ just a touch of heat, moist herbs-sage, sandalwood, dry tobacco, little in the way of baking spices-clove leading the way, mocha, very little caramel notes, dry top soil, river stone, withering to dry, dark, red flowers with liquid violets, beautiful acidity and a well knitted/made, balanced, nicely tensioned finish that lands on some fruit, clay & soft spice.
Very good value here but would not open one for another 10 years.
2020 vintage. A blend of 49% Merlot,44% Cabernet Sauvignon,4% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. I tasted this at the estate during the primeur campaign, and it certainly does not disappoint in 2025. A good introduction to the incredible grand vin, La Dame is more Merlot dominated, and more approachable in its youth. Very refined and elegant, with impeccable purity of fruit, a silky mouthfeel, fresh balancing acidity, and a long finish. It's very hard to resist now, but it should age gracefully. Abv. 13,5%.
2020 vintage. A blend of 49% Merlot,44% Cabernet Sauvignon,4% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. I tasted this at the estate during the primeur campaign, and it certainly does not disappoint in 2025. A good introduction to the incredible grand vin, La Dame is more Merlot dominated, and more approachable in its youth. Very refined and elegant, with impeccable purity of fruit, a silky mouthfeel, fresh balancing acidity, and a long finish. It's very hard to resist now, but it should age gracefully. Abv. 13,5%.
Apr 9th, 2025
Popped and doubled decanted. Not that much sediment yet. Nose is rich in iron-scented wet clay, with sweet, dense cherry fruit trying to push its way through. Some dried underbrush as well. Densely-flavored initially, and then the relatively crisp acids take over, and the palate thins out a little but lingers. Flavors include barely-ripe cassis and dark cherry, with loads of minerally clay notes. Bone dry. Still feels a bit tight. Drinking well now but no rush.
Popped and doubled decanted. Not that much sediment yet. Nose is rich in iron-scented wet clay, with sweet, dense cherry fruit trying to push its way through. Some dried underbrush as well. Densely-flavored initially, and then the relatively crisp acids take over, and the palate thins out a little but lingers. Flavors include barely-ripe cassis and dark cherry, with loads of minerally clay notes. Bone dry. Still feels a bit tight. Drinking well now but no rush.
Dec 31st, 2024
Showing its youth but great potential - silky tannins, cassis, cedar and pencil shavings. A treat
Showing its youth but great potential - silky tannins, cassis, cedar and pencil shavings. A treat
Oct 17th, 2021I brought in one bottle of this at work to taste and see if lived up to the price being a lesser vintage (2006) It was certainly delicious but I think there are actually better Bordeaux wines to be had for that $75 price point (Only talking about this vintage I haven’t had others). Anyone else have thoughts on this??
I brought in one bottle of this at work to taste and see if lived up to the price being a lesser vintage (2006) It was certainly delicious but I think there are actually better Bordeaux wines to be had for that $75 price point (Only talking about this vintage I haven’t had others). Anyone else have thoughts on this??
Mar 11th, 2020Still youthful and structured, but with air it’s opening nicely. Graphite, cedar, cassis, bramble. Rich and tannic, bit with a long finish. No rush.
Still youthful and structured, but with air it’s opening nicely. Graphite, cedar, cassis, bramble. Rich and tannic, bit with a long finish. No rush.
Jan 26th, 2020
Very ripe and great potential. Could use some extra aging.
Very ripe and great potential. Could use some extra aging.
Oct 6th, 2018
The nose of a 90 degree farm and barn right after the cows fertilized. Gripping smooth soft tannins sour cherries. This is all here and I will speculate that it has not even hit its peak yet. Mellow and elegant. Great pull @Frank !! Great summer finale!
The nose of a 90 degree farm and barn right after the cows fertilized. Gripping smooth soft tannins sour cherries. This is all here and I will speculate that it has not even hit its peak yet. Mellow and elegant. Great pull @Frank !! Great summer finale!
Sep 2nd, 2018
I celebrated another year on this planet earlier this week, always glad when I am continuing to count days gone by! Some fun stuff in the works for tonight.
Red/Black currant, plum skin, Kirsch, moist soil and mineral flavor traits.
I celebrated another year on this planet earlier this week, always glad when I am continuing to count days gone by! Some fun stuff in the works for tonight.
Red/Black currant, plum skin, Kirsch, moist soil and mineral flavor traits.