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Antonio Galloni

Vinous

The 2021 is a fine choice for Montrose fans who want to drink the Grand Vin without waiting for decades. I imagine the slightly high amount of Merlot also helps in giving the Grand Vin a measure of suppleness that is rarely found in Montrose. Gentle extractions bring out gorgeous purity in the fruit. Scorched earth, licorice, rose petal and blood orange develop in the glass, followed by a kick of Montrose structure on the finish. The 2021 is not an especially typical Montrose, but it is an undeniably attractive wine. The 13.1% alcohol has not been seen here in years. 04/2022

93-95

Neal Martin

Vinous

The 2021 Montrose is very clean and precise on the nose. You could almost describe it has clinical, crushed stone infusing the black fruit and briar. It is not as intense as the previous two vintages, which is to be expected, though the Cabernet Sauvignon is expressive. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit and fine acidity; a Monrose that is very tensile and focused. Moderate grip and volume, this is a more slimline version of recent vintages, a reflection of the growing season. Maybe it just misses the bravura finish that one has almost come to expect from this estate, yet it has the potential to become an aristocratic, classic Montrose. 04/2022

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William Kelley

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

A brilliant achievement, the 2021 Montrose is reminiscent of a purer, more precise, modern-day version of the estate's 1996. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of blackcurrants, pencil shavings, sweet loamy soil, black truffle and nicely integrated new oak, it's full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with terrific depth at the core, lively acids and a seamless, harmonious profile. Exhibiting beautifully refined tannins and an impressive sense of completeness, it's a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot—standing out as one of the few top wines of the vintage that actually includes more Merlot and less Cabernet than in recent years. 04/2022

93-95

Jeb Dunnuck

Jeb Dunnuck

The Grand Vin 2021 Château Montrose comes from a miniscule selection of just 39% of the production and is 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Medium to full-bodied, it has a seamless, elegant, incredibly pure mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and some richer plum, spice, and tobacco aromas and flavors. It's certainly in the style of the vintage with its pure, graceful, supple style, but the tannins are impeccably done, it's balanced, and has character. It should benefit from just a few years of bottle age and keep for 20-25 years. 06/2022

96

Jean-Marc Quarin

Jean-Marc Quarin

Couleur sombre, pourpre et profonde. Nez très aromatique, fin, au fruité pur, mûr, subtil et noble. Minutieux en entrée de bouche, très aromatique et complexe au milieu, le vin grandit en finale, très frais, très savoureux, plus floral que d'habitude et néanmoins profond. Grande persistance à la tannicité raffinée et plus parfumée que de coutume à cet âge. Assemblage : 62 % cabernet sauvignon, 31 % merlot, 6 % cabernet franc, 1 % petit verdot. Degré d'alcool : 13°1 - pH : 3,7. Rendement : 38 hl/ha. IPT : 77. Production : 39 % de premier vin. 04/2022

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James Suckling

James Suckling

A very classy and refined Montrose with excellent length and a compact, medium-bodied palate, showing fine, silky tannins and a fresh, bright finish. Lots of currant, blackberry and tar at the end, as well as some graphite. 62% cabernet sauvignon, 31% merlot, 6% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. 05/2022