This is an all-timer from Montrose. They crafted nothing less than a masterpiece in 2016, one that took an already incredible vintage and transformed it into a First Growth–quality experience, without a doubt. Everything that makes Montrose so cherished is amplified in the 2016—there is beautiful, weightless concentration, structure built on extremely fine tannins, unmistakable typicité, seamless texture, and a Cabernet-driven palate that’s at once bright, deep, and endlessly complex. Each element feels dialed up with precision, creating a wine that manages to be both powerful and graceful at the same time. What I adore about Montrose is the way it has retained its identity across the years. While many estates chase the next stylistic trend, Montrose continues to uphold its indelible character and classic voice. That consistency is on full display in the superlative 2016, which radiates transparency and a sense of place. It is a wine that reminds you not just of the quality of the vintage, but of the estate’s ability to interpret it with singular vision. I don’t think any cellar can ever have enough of this wine. When you compare the going rate to its top-tier collectible peers, it becomes clear that Montrose also delivers tremendous value alongside its greatness. A joy to drink now with a long, generous decant, it is also certain to be a marvel for decades to come. The 2016 Montrose is a celebration in itself, and truly, a wine to build a collection around.