Critic Notes for this Wine
Jancis Robinson. Jancis Robinson.com
Jean-Bernard Delmas has instituted a green harvest in the vineyards to get riper fruit and less rustic tannins. Yields were lower than average at 41 hl/ha. And in the winery, more gentle handling by using remontage (pumping over) and not délestage (rack and return). 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot. 60% new oak. Very dark crimson. Not that much nose but great sweetness on the palate. Then and only then the dryness of Saint-Estèphe. Not sure there is quite the focus of Montrose in its best vintages in the 21st century but presumably the team, under Jean-Bernard Delmas’ direction, will get there. A little moue and soft for Montrose. Slightly inky on the finish. Not quite the weight required for this amount of dryness. I feel. Surely an interim vintage. IPT 80. There is freshness and vivacity. Energy.
