2021 La Dame de Montrose, St Estèphe, Bordeaux

Merlot 53%, Cabernet Sauvignon 38%, Petit Verdot 6%, Cabernet Franc 3%

The 2021 vintage wasn’t an easy one for second wines, but this really delivers. The fact that St Estèphe received less rain at the end of September than further south in the Médoc seems to have helped the property gain a very homogenous maturity across the board. That shines through in this wine. It is sapid, but with intensity and a fine, spicy, charcoal edge. It captures the linear appeal of the appellation but without any weak points. As with the grand vin, at its own level, this is rather special. Drink 2024-2034.

Our score: 17/20

Berry Bros. & Rudd, April 2022