La Dame de Montrose 2022 Saint-Estèphe

Jeb Dunnuck
(93-95)/100 punten
The second wine of Château Montrose, the 2022 La Dame De Montrose, tastes like a Grand Vin. More Merlot-dominated (71% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc), the terrific purity in its cassis and blue fruits give way to complex floral, forest floor, and violet aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, balanced, and elegant, I'd be happy to drink a bottle any time over the coming 15 years.

James Suckling
(94-95)/100 punten
Wonderful freshness and brightness to this with currants and red berries, as well as chocolate and hints of coffee. Full and layered with round tannins and a fresh and vivid finish. Lemon rind underneath it all. It has lots of length for being mostly merlot. 71% merlot, 23% cabernet sauvignon, 5% petit verdot, and 1% cabernet franc. From organically grown grapes.

Falstaff
95/100 punten
Deep dark ruby colour with purple reflections, delicate brightening on the rim. Nuances of black forest berries with subtle floral notes in the background, ripe plums, a touch of noble wood, cloves and candied orange zest. Textured, elegant, ripe cherries, fine, integrated tannins, mineral and salty finish, very harmonious and persistent, a great food wine, good ageing potential.

Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux)
92/100 punten
Higher proportion of Merlot than usual in the blend, this is deep ruby red in colour and opens to sandalwood, cedar, black pepper and rosemary notes, alongside ripe blackberry and creme de cassis fruits. A lucky vineyard located next to the river at one of the widest points of the Estuary, this is impactful and confident, with the fingerprints of the vintage. 31hl/h yield. 30% new oak.

Neal Martin (Vinous)
(91-92)/100 punten
The 2022 La Dame de Montrose represents 43% of production this year and come from Terrace 3 glacial deposits (the Grand vin is on Terrace 4 that has more clay). It has a clean and pure bouquet with strawberry, boysenberry and light marmalade notes percolating through with time. The palate is medium-bodied with quite a succulent entry, fine depth, slightly powdery texture. There is much more grip on the finish compared to the 2021 last year. Excellent.

Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider)
(93-95)/100 punten
Dark black fruits, flowers, cocoa, and wet earth open the nose. On the palate is where you find this is at its best, with its layers of supple, creamy, fresh, elegant, dark red fruits, and chocolate. There is softness paired with richness, and a depth of flavor that lingers, with an energetic touch of orange rind in the endnote. You can enjoy this on release for all its up-front fruit, or age it for more complexity. The wine blends 71% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. 14.5% ABV.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
(92-94)/100 punten
A second wine that would embarrass numerous classified growths, the 2022 La Dame de Montrose unfurls in the glass with aromas of blackberries, violets, rose petals, charcoal and loamy soil, followed by a medium to full-bodied, layered and fleshy palate of striking concentration, energy and dimension. Seamless and complete, it's a blend of 71% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.

Decanter
92/100 punten
High toned and chewy at the same time, the bright, super fresh and delineated fruit has bite to it, crystalline edges but the tannins have a sense of fleshy texture giving bounce. The tannins subside pretty quickly leaving a clean, clear and fresh expression with plum, black cherry and flinty, herbal and spiced touches. Has a sense of fun, I like the Merlot aspects with appealing weight and terroir nuances. Elegant and pure with no harshness, a big wine with a soft touch. 1% Cabernet Franc completes the blend. Harvest 2-22 September. 3.8pH. 78 IPT. A yield of 31hl/ha.

The Wine Independent (Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW)
(90-92)/100 punten
The 2022 La Dame de Montrose is a blend of 71% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc, and represents about 40% of the crop this year. Deep garnet-purple in color, it storms out with powerful scents of baked plums, tar, and licorice, followed by suggestions of roses and espresso. The full-bodied palate is rich and opulent, delivering velvety tannins and a lively line, finishing long and savory.