Dame De Montrose 2022 (750ML)

94-95 JS / 93-95 JD / 92-94 WA / 92-94 VM / 92 JA / 92 DE / 90-92 WI

Wonderful freshness and brightness to this with currants and red berries, as well as chocolate and hints of coffee. Full and layered with round tannins and a fresh and vivid finish. Lemon rind underneath it all. It has lots of length for being mostly merlot. 71% merlot, 23% cabernet sauvignon, 5% petit verdot, and 1% cabernet franc. From organically grown grapes. - James Suckling

The second wine of Château Montrose, the 2022 La Dame De Montrose, tastes like a Grand Vin. More Merlot-dominated (71% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc), the terrific purity in its cassis and blue fruits give way to complex floral, forest floor, and violet aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, balanced, and elegant, I'd be happy to drink a bottle any time over the coming 15 years. - Jeb Dunnuck

A second wine that would embarrass numerous classified growths, the 2022 La Dame de Montrose unfurls in the glass with aromas of blackberries, violets, rose petals, charcoal and loamy soil, followed by a medium to full-bodied, layered and fleshy palate of striking concentration, energy and dimension. Seamless and complete, it's a blend of 71% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. - William Kelley, Wine Advocate

very dry vintage comes through in the wine’s sheer size and ripe, dark profile. Black cherry, plum, chocolate, licorice, spice and espresso are all amplified in this decidedly intense, concentrated La Dame. Qualitatively, there is little question this could have easily been a Grand Vin in a preceding generation. The 2022 is a stunning La Dame. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

Higher proportion of Merlot than usual in the blend, this is deep ruby red in colour and opens to sandalwood, cedar, black pepper and rosemary notes, alongside ripe blackberry and creme de cassis fruits. A lucky vineyard located next to the river at one of the widest points of the Estuary, this is impactful and confident, with the fingerprints of the vintage. 31hl/h yield. 30% new oak. - Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

High toned and chewy at the same time, the bright, super fresh and delineated fruit has bite to it, crystalline edges but the tannins have a sense of fleshy texture giving bounce. The tannins subside pretty quickly leaving a clean, clear and fresh expression with plum, black cherry and flinty, herbal and spiced touches. Has a sense of fun, I like the Merlot aspects with appealing weight and terroir nuances. Elegant and pure with no harshness, a big wine with a soft touch. 1% Cabernet Franc completes the blend. Harvest 2-22 September. 3.8pH. 78 IPT. A yield of 31hl/ha. - Georgina Hindle, Decanter

The 2022 La Dame de Montrose is a blend of 71% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc, and represents about 40% of the crop this year. Deep garnet-purple in color, it storms out with powerful scents of baked plums, tar, and licorice, followed by suggestions of roses and espresso. The full-bodied palate is rich and opulent, delivering velvety tannins and a lively line, finishing long and savory. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent