Montrose 玫瑰山 2000 (OWC 12)

Description

By Wine Advocate in 2017 (WA94+)
Tasted at the vertical in London, the question was whether the 2000 Montrose would be paradigmatic of a vintage whereby the wines have remained sullen and broody in their youth. On this occasion, to my surprise I found it more open than the 2005 (which admittedly is not saying that it’s open for business!). It is a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot picked from 22 September to 7 October. I afforded it a couple of hours in the glass and it responded with plenty of pure ripe blackberry and raspberry fruit, hints of cold slate and even charcoal emerging with time. The palate is not as complex as the aforementioned 2005, yet there is wonderful backbone and focus; towards the finish there is a sense of suppleness and refinement that might make this absolutely delicious in 5-7 years’ time. Perhaps the 2000 has been usurped by subsequent releases in 2005, 2009 and 2010, but do not be surprised if it evolves into a regal Montrose.

By Decanter in 2019 (JA97)
This is dense and inky in colour with a nose that has layers of soft tobacco combined with rich cassis fruits and liquorice. On the palate, it just powers on through, with completely melted tannins that are holding up the fruit gently but firmly and a mouthwatering finish of slate and salty caramel. It’s a gorgeous wine with so much to enjoy – full and just starting to stride forward into the next stage of its life as all of the 2000s in the line-up are. 2% Petit Verdot completes the blend. Harvest 22 September to 7 October

By Jeb Dunnuck in 2019 (JD96)
The 2000 Montrose is a straight-up gorgeous bottle of wine that while, still young, is offering up tons of pleasure. Classic Saint Estèphe notes of blackcurrants, damp earth, tobacco leaf, cedar, and hints of truffle all emerge from this dense, concentrated, powerful red that has the classic 2000 structure and richness. With sweet tannins, full body, impeccable balance, and a great, great finish, it’s at the early stages of its drink window and has another 3+ decades of longevity ahead of it.

By Wine Spectator in 2016 (WS93)
This has a relatively polished feel, with rounded tannins, though they are substantial enough to give the core of tobacco, black currant paste and warmed fig flavors a nice loamy tug through the finish. Rather refined and with noticeably more depth than AOC colleagues in this vintage, with a very alluring hint of fresh bay at the very end.