Montrose 1996

Tasted at the property, the 1996 Montrose is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot picked between 23 September and 6 October. It was served alongside the 1986 Montrose, but for me, this is a far better wine and reconfirms Robert Parker's remarks at his own vertical at the property in 2014. For me, it is that loamy character that defines the nose, freshly tilled, damp soil that tinctures the black fruit that takes you straight to this particular château. This is classic through and through and very well defined. The palate is wonderful with very fine delineation, pitch perfect acidity, touches of graphite infusing the red and black fruit that dovetails into a very pretty, floral finish. This is clearly one of the great wines of the 1996 vintage and I would be stocking up as much as I can because it will give 30-40 years of pleasure. Tasted July 2016.

Score: 96

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2016-2045 28 October 2016