La Dame de Montrose La Dame de Montrose 2016

Starting with the second wine and more exuberant and sexy than its 2015 counterpart, the 2016 La Dame de Montrose is a seriously impressive wine in its own right and gives a hint of the incredible quality found in the grand vin. Black raspberries, cassis, spring flowers and incense notes all emerge from this ripe, rounded, mouth-filling Saint-Estèphe. It should be a terrific wine and keep for 15-20 years. 91-93

Tannins are very present in this dense wine. But so are vibrant, crisp black-currant flavors and acidity. The combination of tannins and fresh acidity will drive this second wine of Château Montrose forward. Drink from 2023.

The 2016 La Dame de Montrose has a backward, surly bouquet that demands coaxing from the glass. Black fruit intermixes with pencil lead and light mint aromas, but it is certainly tightly wound. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and a fine bead of acidity. Cohesive, if missing that killer blow on the finish. Given past performances, this might have just closed up a bit. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting.

The 2016 La Dame de Montrose is deep garnet-purple colored and gives up cassis, earth, tilled soil, truffles and chocolate-covered cherries on the nose. Medium-bodied, the palate is firm, elegant and restrained with a mineral finish.