CRITIC REVIEWS
Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Composed of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and a 1% splash of Petit Verdot, the 2017 Montrose wine was run off into 60% new and 40% one-year old barrels where it was aged for 18 months. The grand vin represented 37% of the estate's total production. Deep garnet-purple in color, the nose takes some time to unfurl before revealing an impressively flamboyant core of black cherry preserves, warm cassis and baked plums with hints of red currant jelly, dark chocolate, licorice, cardamom and chargrill plus a gentle waft of candied violets. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has fantastic intensity with a very elegant, modest weight, featuring super-ripe, finely-grained tannins and tons of freshness to lift and show-off a stunning array of gorgeous black fruit and fragrant sparks, finishing very long and refined. This is an incredibly classy, poised and sophisticated Montrose!
JancisRobinson.com
76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. Harvested 12 to 29 Sept. No frost damage. Now equipped with 90 small-capacity vats. Deep colour with a slightly lighter rim. Elegant and perfumed with red and dark fruit notes and a cool graphite edge. Fresh and lithe on the palate with a touch of sweetness and very fine tannins. Good length. Not the intensity of the great years but fine and poised. (JL)