Full ruby-red. Deep aromas of smoky black cherry, black olive, minerals, cedar and game; I was reminded of a Montecristo No. 2. This really presents the full range of young Montrose aromas. Dense, sweet and layered; really reverberates on the palate. Very ripe on the aftertaste; subtle, complex flavors go on and on. The tannins are in perfect harmony.

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Mid quite youthful-looking ruby. Very developed bouquet that is super correct and pleasing to a classical claret lover. Lovely integrated fruit freshness, vitality. The tannins are dissipated but this is a really nice, fresh wine for now. Not super succulent but very successful. Sucky stony finish.

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The 1996 Montrose reveals outstanding potential. It boasts a saturated dark ruby/purple color, and aromas of new oak, jammy black currants, smoke, minerals, and new saddle leather. This multi-layered wine is rich and medium to full-bodied, with sweet tannin, a nicely-textured, concentrated mid-palate, and an impressively long finish.

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A classic St.-Estephe with all the exotic character you expect from this appellation, along with a harmony, finesse and subtlety not seen in many '96s. Absolutely wonderful aromas of blackberries, anise seed, minerals and spices. Full-bodied, with layers of well-integrated, polished tannins and an intense spicy, fruity aftertaste. One of the best of the modern-day wines from Montrose. 17,600 cases made.

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Consumed over two nights. On day one, the wine was not open for business at all but I could tell that there were lead pencil, cassis, and cedar notes locked in there. On day two, the wine took on more of a molasses character, with the above components starting to show but still not all the way. Bottom line, this bottle was sleeping and didn't want to wake.