2021 Dame de Montrose (St-Estephe)

Representing some 40% of the estate`s production, the 2021 La Dame de Montrose offers up aromas of sweet berries, black truffle and burning embers, followed by a medium to full-bodied, seamless and elegant palate that`s pure and precise. It`s a fine effort that will likely take on additional depth with élevage. 88-90 points

The 2021 La Dame de Montrose has a tightly wound bouquet, well-defined with blackberry, loam and light graphite scents percolating through with time in the glass. This is nicely focused but somehow refreshingly unassuming. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, gentle grip and clean, fresh, very saline fruit. This is classic Bordeaux in style, a little austere on the finish in a positive sense, containing the sapidity to encourage another sip. Recommended. 90 points

The 2021 La Dame de Montrose offers lovely immediacy in a plump, juicy style that will offer plenty of near and medium-term appeal. Technical Director Vincent Decup chose gentler extractions, which comes through in the wine`s forward, supple personality. Press wines were blended back later to add structure. In 2021 La Dame is not terribly complex, but it is absolutely delicious. 90-92 points

One of the few truly successful 2nd wines in the vintage, this is inky in colour and even visually you can see it has a gorgeous texture. Clear graphite, pencil lead and blueberry notes set the tone on the palate. Cool vintage character, this is extremely elegant. There is a natural structure and power in Montrose soils, meaning the austerity of the vintage was on full display at harvest, and they chaptilised just four tanks of Merlot to add a little weight through the mid palate to this 2nd wine, but it also means there is less of a departure from the classic Montrose signature than you can find in other estates. Harvest September 26 to October 6, after less rain in September than the more southerly sections of the Médoc. 90 points