Montrose 1990 (750ML)

100 WA / 100 JD

The final blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc was harvested between September 14 and October 3. The spring was cold, yet summer was extremely hot and dry – one of the hottest vintages since 1949. The fact that virtually no rain fell in September served as a catalyst to get all the grapes ripe and in cellars. Some bottles of this wine have a definite brett population that gives off the notes of sweaty horses, but this one did not. The ones I have had from my cellar – where I have had it frequently – are quite pure and clean. I suspect that the brett population is in all of them, but unless the wine hits some heat along the transportation route or in storage, the wine will not show any brett. This one tasted at the chateau, as well as those I’ve had from my cellar, have been pristine and not showing the sweaty horse notes that can be in evidence in brett populations that have flourished in the bottle because of external temperatures. This wine has an incredibly complex nose of spring flowers, blackberry and cassis liqueur, scorched earth and barbecue spice. It is full-bodied, majestic and opulent, with low acidity and fabulous fruit. It is close to full maturity. The wine should continue to drink well for at least another 30 or more years, but it is showing secondary nuances in the perfume. The wine is absolutely magnificent, broad, savory and mouth-filling. This is one of the all-time modern legends from Bordeaux as well as Chateau Montrose.-Robert M. Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate

An absolute monster of a Saint-Estèphe, the 1990 Château Montrose has to-die-for notes of ripe red and black currants, smoked tobacco, lead pencil, saddle leather, truffle, and a hint of eucalyptus that develops with time in the glass. These all carry to a full-bodied, incredibly concentrated 1990 with a layered, stacked mid-palate, resolved tannins, and incredible length. There's clearly a kiss of background brett here (which is a known issue with this vintage), but it doesn't detract in the least in my view, and the density, texture, and power of this beauty, with no sensation of weight, is something to behold. It has a touch of bricking and is clearly fully mature, but this has the concentration and depth to evolve gracefully for another two decades. I don't see any upside here, though, so don't be afraid to open bottles! - Jeb Dunnuck