Château Montrose 2021

ADRIAN VAN VELSEN - VVWINE.CH

VERTDEVIN

The nose is elegant, delicate and reveals intensity with finesse, freshness, a lovely airiness, attention to detail, a fine floral character and a lovely multi-layered quality. There are notes of pulpy boysenberry, fleshy gariguette strawberry and more lightly fleshy/acidic red berries, a hint of blackcurrant as well as discreet minty hints, lily, Madagascar pepper and a discreet hint of vanilla/roasted. The palate is nicely conducted, focused, precise and reveals freshness, tension, accuracy, a nice freshness, minerality and purity. On the palate this wine expresses notes of almost roasted cherry, fresh raspberry and more slightly juicy/acidic blackcurrant combined with hints of fresh flowers, vanilla, toastiness, a discreet hint of crunchy berries, fine graphite/minerality almost saline, a subtle hint of toastiness, toasted hazelnut. The tannins are sapid and supple. A fine mellowness and a very fine chewiness on the finish/persistence.

Decanter Magazine

Here the tannins are extremely angular and unyielding. This is classic Montrose that is a little firm and nanny-ish at this point, although as it opens in the glass you see a generosity to the fruit coming to the fore, with sweet blueberry and raspberry notes. Well handled but lacks the generosity of 2010 and 2009. Petit Verdot 3% completes the blend. Harvest September 2 to 27.

James Suckling

A very classy and refined Montrose with excellent length and a compact, medium-bodied palate, showing fine, silky tannins and a fresh, bright finish. Lots of currant, blackberry and tar at the end, as well as some graphite. 62% cabernet sauvignon, 31% merlot, 6% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

A brilliant achievement, the 2021 Montrose is reminiscent of a purer, more precise, modern-day version of the estate's 1996. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of blackcurrants, pencil shavings, sweet loamy soil, black truffle and nicely integrated new oak, it's full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with terrific depth at the core, lively acids and a seamless, harmonious profile. Exhibiting beautifully refined tannins and an impressive sense of completeness, it's a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot—standing out as one of the few top wines of the vintage that actually includes more Merlot and less Cabernet than in recent years.