Dame de Montrose 2016

52% Merlot.Tasted blind. Deep crimson. Appetising freshness but a little hint of wood shavings (Cabernet Franc?) on the nose. Bone dry and pretty vital but relatively early maturing. Lovely drink with St-Estèphe minerality. Everything in the right place but not a long-distance runner. Very pure though.Drink 2023 – 2030

Starting with the second wine and more exuberant and sexy than its 2015 counterpart, the 2016 La Dame de Montrose is a seriously impressive wine in its own right and gives a hint of the incredible quality found in the grand vin. Black raspberries, cassis, spring flowers and incense notes all emerge from this ripe, rounded, mouth-filling Saint-Estèphe. It should be a terrific wine and keep for 15-20 years. 2023 - 2043

Depth richness the nose has a lot of powerful black fruits the palate has concentrated black cherry and cassis. The tannins are firm but well integrated the back palate has depth a brooding richness the finish fresher peppery cassis and cherry. 2025-40

As you’d expect from the second wine of Montrose in a top year like 2016, this is a muscular, sinewy, densely constructed wine with lots of smoky, aromatic oak, damson and blueberry fruit and layered, compact tannins. Needs time. 2025-36

The 2016 La Dame de Montrose has a backward, surly bouquet that demands coaxing from the glass. Black fruit intermixes with pencil lead and light mint aromas, but it is certainly tightly wound. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and a fine bead of acidity. Cohesive, if missing that killer blow on the finish. Given past performances, this might have just closed up a bit. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting. 2023 - 2036

The 2016 La Dame de Montrose has a lovely bouquet of blackberry, tobacco, light black truffle notes and a touch of smoke. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grip, quite sturdy for a second wine, and lightly spiced with a sprinkling of white pepper on the surprisingly persistent finish. Excellent.Drink 2022-2036.

The 2016 La Dame de Montrose is a blend of 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 52% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 11% Petit Verdot. It is often a difficult Deuxième Vin to taste en primeur, and it often meliorates considerably during its élevage. Here, the aromatics took some time to coalesce in the glass: blackberry, graphite and a noticeable oyster shell aroma. The palate is medium-bodied with a gentle grip in the mouth, grainy in texture with very fine balance towards the finish where the quality of the vintage showed through. Doubtless those aromatics will improve and gain harmony by the time it is in bottle, and indeed, when I returned for a second visit I discerned a little more finesse and prettiness on the finish. This is a delightful La Dame. Tasted twice.Drink Date 2021 - 2035

A linear and fine rendition of Montrose’s second wine with blueberry and blackberry character. Medium to full body, firm tannins and a juicy finish. Structured. Racy.

Exceptionally deep blackish crimson. Not especially expressive on the nose but really deep and intense on the palate Very dense for a second wine but with a good raciness and energy. Rather elegant and flattering without resorting to sweetness. Quite cool on the end. Lighter and less dense than the grand vin. Drink 2024-2039