Blend of 65% cabernet sauvignon, 31% merlot, 3.5% cabernet franc and 0.5% petit verdot. Good full ruby-red. Brooding aromas of blueberry, black raspberry, licorice, bitter chocolate and violet. Very subtle and long, with captivating floral and mineral notes on the finish. This was positively explosive as it opened in the glass, showing increasing texture and sweetness. 92-95 points

Exceptionally tannic, broodingly backward offering displaying a dense ruby/purple color along with a provocative perfume of crushed rocks, flowers, cassis, black raspberries, and blueberries. It continues to add weight and richness, good traits considering the substantial, forbiddingly high tannin levels and zesty acidity. If you are over the age of fifty, this backward, powerful wine will probably be more enjoyable to your descendants. 95 points

The 2005 Montrose replicated previous showings of that formidable wine. The bouquet is backward and here exuding more black fruit than previous bottles, rendering it more akin to the 2010 Montrose. With aeration those telltale scents of pencil lead emerge, although this bottle shows a touch more brine. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin, a Montrose with huge backbone, solid to the point of being obdurate. Yet that would be overlooking the poise and delineation of this Montrose, the manner in which it gathers momentum towards the grippy finish. It is a truly great 2005 Bordeaux but it deserves a couple of decades in bottle. Tasted blind at "Philip`s Belated February Christmas Lunch." 97 points