Tasted at the chateau, the 2008 Montrose is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot picked between 29 September and 15 October. It has a far superior bouquet compared to the underperforming 2006 with black fruit, minerals, fern and briary. It is very composed, almost understated, yet clearly with great potential. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannin, a fine line of acidity, powerful for the finish but with impressive mineralité and tension on the persistence finish. It is quite an audacious 2008 and one of the finest wines of the vintage. Tasted September 2016.

This has a density that sets it apart, with a pleasantly firm edge to the plum, black cherry and currant fruit, all wrapped with notes of iron, tobacco and savory herb. The long, rock-solid finish is still a bit tight, but it should meld nicely in the cellar. A fine effort for the vintage. Best from 2013 through 2020. 16,665 cases made. -JM

92-94 Barrel sample. Dense, but well balanced, a fine expression of the richness and the tannins of Sain-Estephe. Those tannins are tight, dry, but add blackberry jam richness.——R.V.(12/31/2009)—— 93