Country : France   Region: Saint-Estephe Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot Vintage: 2014  Colour: Red Style: Dry Producer: Chateau Montrose Description: A constant quest for quality for both Château Montrose and La Dame de Montrose combined with increasingly precise crop selection now allows us to produce a third wine every year: Le Saint-Estèphe de Montrose. Produced on the remarkable terroir of Château Montrose and vinified by the property’s winemakers, it is a classic blend of two great Bordeaux varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The 2014 Dame de Montrose had the advantage of the precise work from the new team and new equipment of Chateau Montrose. This Second wine of Chateau Montrose offers a pure and frank aromatic expression of red cherry, smashed raspberry, the whole enhanced by pepper hints. This Saint-Estèphe palate, less dense than the Grand wine (2014 Chateau Montrose) seduces by its smooth tannic structure with a fine grain. This is an accessible wine that highlights the careful work done in selecting the grapes. Tasting Note: Juicy, rich, and rounded on the palate with fresh acidity and a smooth texture to the tannins. Black fruits and a little freshness on the finish give balance.   93 points James Suckling What a nose for a second wine! Lovely cassis and delicately leafy/earthy aromas. It’s a rare beast: a really mineral red Bordeaux. This has excellent balance of ripeness and fresh dry tannins and acidity. Long, clean finish.  (2/2017) 93 points Wine Enthusiast The wine is powerful with fine tannins and concentrated black fruits. The dense texture is lifted by the acidity and beautiful fruit of the vintage. The tannins are dusty, tight and surrounded by beautiful fruit and acidity. This, the second wine of Montrose, will develop surely over the next several years. Drink from 2024. (RV)  (4/2017) 92 points Vinous A gorgeous second wine, the 2014 La Dame de Montrose is soft, open-knit and very pretty. Bright floral notes add lift and a measure of elegance to the dark-fleshed fruit. Medium in body, with good depth and fine overall balance, the 2014 is just about as good as it gets for a second wine. I won't be surprised if it is still delicious at age 20, although I think its best drinking will take place earlier than that. 92+ (AG)  (2/2017) 90 points Jeb Dunnuck As to the 2014s, these are beautiful wines and certainly a match for the 2015s. The 2014 La Dame de Montrose offers a deep purple color and classic Cabernet Sauvignon notes as well as a touch of violets, spring flowers and leafy herbs. This medium-bodied, elegant, spicy, complex 2014 has loads of charm yet should keep nicely for 15+ years.  (11/2017) 90 points Wine Spectator Offers a brisk, racy feel, with red currant, damson plum and Campari notes coursing through, carried by a bright iron spine through the savory-flecked finish. Very pure and firmly grounded in terroir. Best from 2018 through 2026. (JM)  (3/2017) Jancis Robinson 7% of production. 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot. Wine from their new parcel, which did belong to Montrose in 1855, goes mainly into this wine. Not quite as deep a crimson as Tronquoy de Lalande. Some attractive pepper on the nose. Very rich palate entry.  (4/2015) Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The La Dame de Montrose 2014 is a blend of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot representing 37% of the total production. The bouquet is a little simple if compared to say, Les Pagodes de Cos 2014: blackberry mixed with boysenberry, a hint of black olive that is accentuated with time. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, grippy tannin. (NM)  (4/2015) Food Matches: Beef / Lamb / Goat Cheese / Venison / Game