1988 Château Montrose
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Tasting notes
The 1988 Montrose is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc picked between 26 September and 9 October. I was not taken with this wine when I tasted it as part of my Montrose vertical series in 2016. A couple of years later, the nose still does not impress nearly as much as the following two vintages, remaining rather flat and static, still with touches of oxtail and dried blood infusing the fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with light tannin, moderate depth, missing the structure both for a Montrose and considering the vintage. It is a disappointing Montrose especially when the team oversaw one of the wines of the decade twelve months later. Tasted at the château.
Critic scores
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Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Tasted at the Montrose vertical in London, the 1988 Montrose is in the unfortunate position of forming the prequel to the 1989 and 1990, and frankly, it lags a long way behind. It is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc that was harvested from 26 September until 9 October. The nose is youthful, rustic and a little flat with touches of oxtail and dried blood infusing the black fruit. The palate is masculine and dry, lacking the substance showing in the stylistically similar 1986 Montrose, but here with some attenuation towards the finish. Drink now if you have any bottles. Tasted June 2016.
Aromas of dried spices, dates and prunes follow through to a medium body, with firm tannins and a medium finish. Drying out a little now. still holding on, but needs drinking.¿'88/'98 Bordeaux blind retrospective (2008). Drink now. James Suckling, Wine Spectator 2009
About the producer
Ch. Montrose is one of two Second Growths from Saint-Estèphe and one of the most consistent producers in Bordeaux. The wines from this property are both elegant and powerful, and some of the Médoc's most age-worthy .