Dark crimson – much deeper than the 1985. Correct, dense, slightly austere at present. Very fragrant and correct but still much marked by extremely fine tannins on the palate. Very dry finish. Much better with food – well, surprisingly good with a light shellfish cream – pretty awkward with a foie gras crème brûlée.

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio

This wine has turned out to be better than I originally thought. Made during a period when Montrose was flirting with a lighter style, the 1986 is one of the beefier efforts from that short-lived, stylistic detour. The wine reveals a dense ruby/purple color with only a hint of lightening at the edge. Fleshy, muscular, and powerful, with aromas of red and black fruits, earth, and spice, this medium to full-bodied, still tannic, brawny Montrose is not yet close to full maturity. It possesses a layered, chewy character, along with plenty of unresolved tannin in the finish. Last tasted 10/97

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio

Wonderful clean berry fruit with currant, light mint and mineral following through to a full, firm palate with long, silky tannins and a mineral, berry and spice aftertaste. Lovely wine. Firm. This is squeaky clean and beautiful. Enjoyable now but better to wait a few years still.--Non-blind Château Montrose vertical.

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio

Nice cedar on opening and still fruit left. Tannins sti quite present still hanging in.