2021 Château Montrose, St Estèphe, Bordeaux

Cabernet Sauvignon 62%, Merlot 31%, Cabernet Franc 6%, Petit Verdot 1%.

This is almost a return to Montrose’s restrained classicism of the 1990s. But there is a polish and finesse evident of the progress made here since then. Surprisingly, the harvest was done by 6th October, but there was no rush; everything was ripe. The wine’s airy architecture recalls 2014, because of its sapid freshness and firm tannin. But it’s also graceful and intense; its precise cool fruits float above the tensile support of those tannins. It builds in intensity with each taste – a very fine result.

Drink 2028 - 2050

Our score: 18.5/20

Berry Bros. & Rudd