2016 Montrose

One of the greatest Montrose of the new millennium, this is a stunning wine that will give pleasure for decades to come. The richness of the texture is clear from the first pour, as is the depth of concentration in its plum colour. Powerful, balanced, cocoa bean, liqourice, espresso, slate, cassis, bilberry, damson. Slow progress thorugh the palate, feels supple yet restrained, and only just beginning its progress - one that you can without a shadow of a doubt wait another decade or more before opening. Harvest September 22 to October 17. Hervé Berland director, owned by the Bouygues family.

The floral and fresh aromas to this are mesmerizing. Roses and lilacs galore. The pure cab aromas coming from the glass – blackcurrants and blackberries – are so memorable. Full-bodied, deep and profound. The ultra-fine tannins on the palate are so polished and fine-grained. The finish goes on for minutes with subtle yet superb fruit. It’s all about precision and form here. A modern classic for Montrose. Better after 2026.

Unquestionably one of the top 2-3 wines of the vintage, the 2016 Château Montrose is a monument in the making. Checking in as a blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 7% Cabernet Franc raised in 60% new French oak (the balance was in once-used barrels) and representing a tiny 36% of the production, this deep purple-colored 2016 possesses powerful, incredibly classic Saint-Estephe notes of creme de cassis, graphite, damp earth, lead pencil shavings, and burning embers. With a powerful, full-bodied style on the palate, a huge mid-palate, lots of underlying structure and tannic grip, and perfect balance, this magical wine will need upwards of a decade or cellaring and keep for 40-50 years.