La Dame de Montrose 2016

"The 2016 La Dame de Montrose is a blend of 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 52% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 11% Petit Verdot. It is often a difficult Deuxième Vin to taste en primeur, and it often meliorates considerably during its élevage. Here, the aromatics took some time to coalesce in the glass: blackberry, graphite and a noticeable oyster shell aroma. The palate is medium-bodied with a gentle grip in the mouth, grainy in texture with very fine balance towards the finish where the quality of the vintage showed through. Doubtless those aromatics will improve and gain harmony by the time it is in bottle, and indeed, when I returned for a second visit I discerned a little more finesse and prettiness on the finish. This is a delightful La Dame. Tasted twice." - Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate, Ratings: 90-92, Drink: 2021-2035

''The 2016 Dame de Montrose is also gorgeous, and the second wines of Bordeaux continue to gain in quality. A blend of 52% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, aged in 30% new oak, this beauty has impressive amounts of creme de cassis, graphite, violets, and damp earth that give way to a medium to full-bodied, layered, pure, and seamless beauty that has real class. It’s well worth seeking out and will hopefully help you to keep your hands off the grand vin for at least a few years.'' Jeb Dunnuck, Bordeaux 2016: Firing On All Cylinders (2/28/2019) Ratings: 93 Drink: 2019-2039

''The finest vintage of Montrose's second wine in this vertical was the 2016 La Dame de Montrose, a medium to full-bodied, deep and layered wine that's velvety and pure, with a beautifully balanced profile and an inviting bouquet of dark berries, licorice, cigar wrapper, loamy soil and violets. Given the longevity that other top vintages have demonstrated, there's no rush to start pulling corks.'' William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (12/21/2023) Ratings: 92 Drink: 2026-2046