Tasting Notes
Vinous 91.5
Bright dark ruby. Expressive, soil-driven aromas of blackberry, raspberry, rose petal and minerals. Bright and juicy, with flinty black fruit and mineral flavors nicely framed by harmonious acidity. Finishes lightly saline and energetic, with dusty, fine-grained tannins. Very nicely balanced Montrose but I hope the tannins won't outlive the fruit.
Robert Parker 90
Tasted at the château, the 2011 Montrose is a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot picked between 2-27 September. The nose does not possess the exuberance of the 2008, a little conservative and lacking personality by comparison. It does repay aeration though and after some time, there are attractive cold stone/limestone notes that begin to emerge. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, grippy tannin. It is a solid Montrose, quite stout, perhaps not the greatest fun you will ever have with a Claret, yet with admirable depth on the lightly spiced, cedar-infused finish. Whilst I prefer the 2008 Montrose, the 2011 is a decent off-vintage that should offer 20 years of drinking pleasure. Tasted September 2016.
Anticipated maturity: 2021-2045
JancisRobinson.com 16
Tasted blind. Blackish crimson. Notably fragrant. Some juiciness on top of the appellation’s austerity. A bit dry and brooding but not bad.
Anticipated maturity: 2021-2032
