La Dame de Montrose Saint-Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend

The 2012 La Dame de Montrose makes for a lovely introduction to the wines of Montrose. There is plenty of the estate's typical heft and richness in the glass, but the mid-weight pliancy lends an element of suppleness. Smoke, tar, licorice, black cherries and plum flow through to the powerful finish. Far from an easygoing 2012, La Dame is going to require at least a few years in the cellar. Hints of game, smoke, licorice and iron add the closing shades of nuance. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous)

NOSE: rodent (second time tonight!), barnyard, hay (redundant, but “barnyard” in my world means animals and their accompanying mess, hay is for the animals), wet rocks. Fruit is dry and receded and near-theoretical.

TASTE: elegant indeed. Medium weight, tannins nicely smoothed with age, dried herbs (old lady perfume), dried blackberry. 92.

Very nicely balanced, notes of cigar, dark stewed fruit, pencil. Beautiful second wine. I’d maybe give it a few more years but it’s already drinking very well.

Slightly less fleshy than last bottle, aromatics nonetheless excellent. Faint stalky/green vein through it that gives excellent grip & character.

Rare opulence/fullness for a 2nd. Lovely.

Vila. Cata Saint-Estèphe. 38,80
17.09.18

I was planning on waiting a few years on this lady, but when spending Christmas in Montrose, HTX, only La Dame de Montrose will do. Smooth, full, and rich. Everything you need in a Bordeaux. Thank you for the rec @Sam Shepard

My first exposure to the Montrose 2nd label and it is very respectable. Lots of smoke, iron, leather, and brush complicating a supple Merlot-centered core of rich cherry and plum. Outstanding with bavette steak and B-sprouts.

Extremely smooth, a little oak. Not supremely flavorful, but been drinking heavier stuff so the palate is biased.

Good wine, potentially great but needs some more years in the cellar. Try in 2018.