Dame de Montrose 2019

The 2019 La Dame de Montrose has an open, fresh and energetic nose with blackberry and cedar scents, joined by black pepper and graphite with time. You might describe it as a "strapping" bouquet. The palate is medium-bodied with graphite-infused black fruit, pliant tannins, edgy with a persistent and satisfying finish. This is very promising and quite sophisticated - a Deuxième Vin that has improved since bottling. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. Drink 2026-2055.

Juicy and pleasantly chewy with milk chocolate, walnut and currant aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, creamy and flavorful. Second wine of Montrose. Drink after 2024.

Depth and power through the mid palate, good quality tannins, this is classically restrained St Estèphe power, with savoury yet juicy black fruits. Living up to its potential En Primeur, one to look out for, and a strong 2nd wine that beats out many 1st wines in the vintage. If you liked the Dame de Montrose 2010, get on board with this.

Tasted blind. Youthful crimson. Ripe fruit. Good impact. Assertive. Quite a bit of tannin underneath and some persistence. Even a bit of alcoholic warmth on the end! 14.5%Drink 2026– 2040