Tasted at the Montrose vertical in Stamford, the 1961 Montrose is another wine that I tasted regularly in the 1990 and 2000s. Two bottles were opened here, one showing a Bovril-like aromas on the nose, the other showing more freshness with tobacco and leather-infused red berry fruit that turns algae-like with time. I scored the second in the low nineties. However, a third bottle tasted in London relived some of those great encounters. Here it had a feisty and intense bouquet, earthy in style and interestingly I scribbled down a hint of Marmite (perhaps a different take on that Bovril note observed a few weeks earlier?), but here it is part of the aromatic profile. The palate is beautifully balanced with a gentle grip, intense dark cherries and tertiary notes, a touch of pomegranate towards the finish that is structured and loaded with cedar and tobacco. I noticed how this 1961 Montrose blossomed in the glass, so do not demur decanting this wine. Tasted June 2016.

Tasted 4 Times With Consistent NotesA stunning wine from a superb vintage, the 1961 Montrose is still in need of another 10 years of cellaring. The deep, opaque dark ruby color, the huge bouquet of ripe cassis fruit and mineral scents, the full-bodied, dense, compelling richness and length, plus gobs of tannin, all point to a monumental bottle of wine for drinking during the first 20-30 years of the next century. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2030.

This shows lovely aromas of currant, fresh herbs and light mint, with just a hint of cedar. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a warm chocolate and meat character. Not a big wine but holding on nicely. This bottle is a little musty but blows off. Gets better in the glass.--Non-blind Chateau Montrose vertical. Drink now. -JS