2020, Dame de Montrose, SAINT-ESTÈPHE

Bordeaux Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot.

The 2020 La Dame de Montrose has slightly more alcohol than the Grand Vin. It has a lovely bouquet with predominantly black fruit, cedar and light briny scents, impressive focus and intensity for a Deuxième Vin. The palate is medium-bodied with gentle grip on the entry, quite fresh considering the warmth that summer, fine mineralité with a saline finish. There is a pleasant strictness at the moment, a very capable La Dame that should give 15 years of drinking pleasure. 92 Neal Martin, Vinous.

The 2020 La Dame de Montrose is fabulous. Rich, dense and expansive, the 2020 offers notable vibrancy and a good bit of energy too. Bright acids cut through a core of red/purplish fruit in what is an intense, wonderfully saline Dame. The 2020 finishes with remarkable elegance and sophistication. 94 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.

Soft purple flowers on the nose, quite perfumed and seductive tones with ripe black fruit, peonies, blueberries and plums. Rich and supple, round with mouthwatering acidity - clean and crisp, steely and mineral with a core of crushed stones, pencil lead, slate and liquorice-edged black fruits. Power and concentration - it's plush and potent, but also quite tight with the flavours expanding vertically. Not as generous and openly friendly at this point but so svelte and well worked with a sense of style to it. 93 Georgina Hindle, Decanter.

Drinking Window: 2025 - 2042