La Dame de Montrose Saint-Estèphe 2021 - Second vin

The estate belonged to the Charmolüe family (now based in Provence, at Château Romanin) for over a century. Acquired in 2005 by Martin and Olivier Bouygues, the estate has continued on its path of excellence. The new owners and their teams have taken care not to alter the style, but rather to refine viticulture and winemaking to adapt them to the ecological and cultural demands of our time. The second wine, Dame-de-Montrose—produced in significant quantities—has improved in consistency and in its expression of the terroir. The most recent vintages, among the finest in the Médoc, are more than a match for the First Growths.

 

Entrepreneurs Martin and Olivier Bouygues have owned this famous cru classé since 2006. They have masterfully cultivated one of the Médoc’s finest terroirs, which has repeatedly distinguished itself in the past by producing wines that can match—or even surpass—the quality of the premiers grands crus classés. In hot, dry years—such as 2003, 2009, 2010, or even 2011—Montrose offers exceptional distinction. Hervé Berland, who now manages the estate, is elevating it to a level of definition and precision never before seen here. It is approaching a third star.

This second-tier wine is as full-bodied as its older counterpart, rich in aromas of blackberry and cedar. It is robust, with notes of black fruit and dense tannins. Best enjoyed starting in 2028. — Roger Voss

La Dame de Montrose 2021 is a second wine of great depth. Dark, supple, and remarkably expressive, this 2021 vintage possesses exceptional elegance and intensity. Aromas of red and black fruits, graphite, spices, new leather, and incense unfold as this deep, resonant Saint-Estèphe blossoms in the glass. An impeccable wine. Best enjoyed between 2027 and 2041.

This juicy red wine reveals notes of cedar and red berries, spices, and subtle hints of dried rose. Medium-bodied, it stands out for its flavorful finish and round, supple tannins. Ready to drink now.

La Dame de Montrose reveals itself cautiously, step by step! Slightly restrained at first, the wine reveals the Cabernet’s freshness and fruitiness. Less dense than usual, the wine is linear, somewhat creamy, and features compact tannins that provide good support to the finish. A wine that gains in depth and complexity as the minutes pass and stands out for its persistence and liveliness. 2027–2047

The nose is fresh and elegant, offering a certain discreetly restrained power, good definition, silkiness, depth, and refinement. It features notes of fresh blackcurrant, lily, fresh lilac, and, more subtly, clove, combined with hints of smokiness, juicy raspberry, subtle hints of vanilla, and a delicate touch of toasted almond. The palate is fruity, fresh, and beautifully structured, offering freshness, balance, precision, tension, a lovely balance, freshness, and a refined minerality. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of fresh, juicy blackberry and fresh cherry, along with a hint of fresh, juicy wild redcurrant, combined with touches of salty minerality, sweet blond tobacco, nutmeg, a subtle hint of licorice, and a delicate hint of clove. The tannins are refined and delicately velvety. Good length.