2014 Montrose, St-Estèphe

“Medium to deep garnet in color, the 2014 Montrose scoots out of the glass with ready-to-go notes of kirsch, redcurrant jelly, and dried blackcurrants plus hints of iron ore, cloves, and nutmeg. The medium-bodied palate delivers a taut, muscular core of black fruit flavors, supported by firm, grainy tannins and a lively line, finishing long and opulent. Truly impressive—bravo! (LPB)” (03/2024)

“A smoky and perfumed nose to this 2014, with dried berry and intense currant, with layers of sage and mint adding a touch of the freshness that typifies the vintage. The palate is delightfully fresh and lively, medium-bodied, filled with perfumed red cherry, pomegranate and redcurrant, tinged with leather and toast, and all underpinned with a polished texture and a smart frame of tannins. A serious wine of considerable construction, dark and smoky, along with some notes of the fresher, more minty frame that typifies the vintage. A great result here. Two different bottles tasted. This is one destined for the cellar;hold for now.” (02/2024)

“Floral rose and raspberry scents on the nose. Supple and agile, this is bright and tangy, with the focus on the acidity and the purity and precision of the fruit which is crystalline and takes the lead. Tannins are barely there but you still feel as if there is structure on show, so it's not light but not weighty. Streamlined but with energy that pushes the flavours from start to finish. It's a very pretty, graceful wine and you can't fault the delicate, refined presentation where they really haven't gone too far in any one way. Stylish and so easy to enjoy with herbal and salty markers on the finish. Firm and focussed but extremely charming nonetheless. (GH)” (04/2024)

“Noticeably younger than many in its tannic structure and fruit concentration, this has a ton of lift and a ton of slate-filled tannic grip. A stately St Esèphe, entirely in keeping with the character of this wine, lovers of classical, balalanced, concentrated Montrose will want to get hold of this - and it is just about ready to begin drinking, although zero risk of it tipping too far into tertiary over the next decade. It has delivered every time I've tasted it, and really shows itself well in a lineup against other 2014s. Harvest September 22 to October 16. Hervé Berland director.” (02/2024)

“Incredible aromas of currants, blackberries, slate and flowers. Full-bodied yet so tight and beautiful with superb polish and brightness. The length is fantastic. Truly superb.” (02/2017)

“The 2014 Montrose is without question one of the standout wines of the vintage. Black cherry, plum, smoke, licorice and lavender are some of the many aromas and flavors that open up in the glass. But the 2014 is a much deeper wine than just a bunch of descriptors can conjure. In 2014, Montrose is a wine of exceptional finesse and polish. The late-ripening vintage allowed for perfect maturation of the tannins and resulted in a silky wine that exudes class and pedigree. The 2014 is not an obvious or bombastic Montrose, but rather a wine of sublime enchantment. Don't miss it! (AG)” (02/2017)

“This is a very fine wine showing a new level of quality at Montrose. With its almost velvet tannins inside the intense black fruits, the wine is rich, smooth and generous. Blackberry and black-plum fruits are to the fore along with the fine acidity and great structure. *Cellar Selection* (RV)” (02/2017)

“The brilliant 2014 Montrose is the fruit of a harvest that stretched out for almost a month, ending on October 17. One of the wines of the vintage, it opens in the glass with aromas of cassis and plums mingled with burning embers, licorice, sweet loamy soil and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, it's concentrated and tightly wound, with sweet tannins and a long, penetrating finish. (WK) 96+” (12/2023)

“I loved the 2014 Montrose and it has an incredible purity and elegance that sets it apart from its peers. A blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it offers a deeper, richer profile with gorgeous cassis and currant fruits intermixed with licorice, chocolate, graphite and beautiful minerality. A spitting image of class on the palate, with fine tannin, integrated acidity, and medium to full-bodied richness, this terrific 2014 is up with the crème de la crème of the Médoc and keep for two to three decades.” (11/2017)

“This is seriously built, with an admirable core of red and black currant paste and bitter plum fruit inlaid with notes of tobacco, bay and smoldering charcoal. The finish is ramrod straight thanks to an iron girder supporting everything with ease. A tremendous effort for the vintage. (JM)” (03/2017)