Description

St-Estephe does not have any First Growths but if it did the single 95 hectare vintage of Montrose would be the first candidate. Its closeness to the Gironde and less clay in the vineyard than other St-Estephe wines makes it more reminiscent of great Pauillac than the sturdier St-Estephe style. The vineyard contains 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. La Dame De Montrose is their second label and is sourced from declassified fruit from their vineyard. In good years it is a bargain, in great years it stands on its own two feet as a great wine.

64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot in 2010 that was dry, dark and dusty. Quite closed at first, with red fruits, green herbs and smoke. The palate has good silk and nice length of flavour. Showing cherry, olives and very dry finish. If this is the second label the Montrose must be spectacular.

St-Estephe – The Northern most appellation in the 1885 classification the higher levels of clay makes for denser wines with good fruit richness and plush palate. St-Estephe only has five classified growths but it is a case of quality 0ver quantity.

2010 – Largely over looked after the amazing 2009s. Is this better than 2000, 2005, 2009? Is it more like the famous vintages to follow up the greats such as 1996 and 2001? All I know is that after tasting the first shipment of 2010s my customers requested a second tasting and fast. See Decanters notes of the vintage here.