1991 Montrose

Soft, supple and pretty. A harmonious wine with berry, cherry and spice notes and an attractive finish. Wine Spectator, Mar 31, 1994

St.-Estephe enjoyed more success in 1991 than any other Bordeaux appellation, largely because the damaging frost caused little damage to the first generation fruit in the northern Medoc. Consequently Montrose's production was close to normal and the wine is one of the stars of the vintage. That being said, it is not close to the wondrous quality of the 1989 and 1990, but it is superior to this property's 1988. It reveals a dark, saturated color (one of the most opaque wines of the vintage), and a tight but promising nose of sweet, jammy, black-raspberry fruit, minerals, and subtle new oak. With a medium to full-bodied personality boasting considerable tannin, admirable ripeness, and layers of fruit, this excellent wine should reach full maturity in 7-8 years and last for nearly two decades. Wine Advocate.February, 1994

Tasted at the chateau, the 1991 Montrose is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot picked between 30 September and 15 October. It is rightly regarded as one of the rare successes of the beleaguered growing season, alongside Latour. It is clean in color with slight ageing on the rim. The nose is crisp and charming with red berry fruit, balsamic, sage, earthy, almost beetroot like scents that are very appealing. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, fresh and well focused. Whilst the growing season denuded Montrose of its weight and presence, there is harmony here and the foursquare finish will have classic appeal. I wager that this was better a decade ago. Still, after 25 years the 1991 offers a whole lot more than many alumni. Tasted September 2016. Mar 2017, www.robertparker.com