Chateau Montrose 2001

WEINWISSER: "Sehr dunkles, tiefes Violett-Purpur. Intensives Bouquet, vor allem vom Terroir geprägt, schwarzer Pfeffer, Cassis, Zedern, Herbsttrompeten, Trüffel, dunkle Hölzer, viel Tabak, gewisser artisanaler Schimmer. Fleischiger Körper, mit Tanninen bepackt, welche die körperreiche Struktur unterstützen, viel erdiger Geschmack, mit einer mächtigen, fast ergreifenden Cabernet-Expression vermischt, Zigarren im Finale, sehr lange anhaltend. Unter den besten Bordeaux ein klassischer Wein, der sicher zu den interessantesten Werten im Feld der Grands Crus gehört."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Tasted at the château, the 2001 Montrose is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot picked between 24 September and 9 October. It has quite a tightly wound bouquet that either needs a hefty decant or preferably, another 5-6 years in bottle. The scents that can be coaxed are attractive: blackberry, a touch of tar and pencil box, later Indian ink and cedar wood. The palate is medium-bodied with gently gripping tannin, a fine line of acidity and impressive harmony. This gains complexity towards the finish. Tensile, minerally and edgy, this is becoming a highly pleasurable Montrose that will surprise a few people. Sure, it does lack some persistence, however, keep an eye on this."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Modest in display, with lightly mulled currant and blackberry fruit infused with bay leaf and tobacco accents. This is sneakily long, offering a very refined chalk- and iron-fueled finish and lovely integration throughout. Echoes of savory and wet pebble at the very end give this a pleasant austerity.—Blind '01/'03/'05 Bordeaux retrospective (December 2017). Best from 2020 through 2030."