1986 Montrose
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Tasting notes
A beautifully mature Montrose with a leafy edge, savoury, dark fruits, melted tannins, gorgeous dark leafy autumnal flavours, white truffle and broth, very much in its tertiary moment, but enticing, great quality. There were some uneven bottles at this point of the estate's history, but this one was singing. Jean‑Louis Charmolüe running the estate (the family had owned Montrose since 1896 and remained in place until the sale in 2006).
Critic scores
Average Score
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Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Tasted at the château, the 1986 Montrose is a wine that I had not tasted for many years and up until now, I was concerned about whether there was sufficient fruit to balance its sturdy, obdurate tannins. A blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc picked between 30 September and 16 October, it has a similar core to the 1986 Cos d'Estournel, albeit with a slight wider bricked rim. The nose is pleasant and quite floral, not as rich or as opulent as the Cos d'Estournel, quite refined with cedar and undergrowth aromas, then pencil lead that becomes more dominant with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannin, a fresh line of acidity, a little more leather coming through towards the finish with commendable weight and focus, if not quite the exuberance of the best 1986s. It is drinking perfectly now. Though a long way behind the 1989 and 1990 Montrose, this conservative Saint Estephe will continue to give 15-20 years more pleasure. Tasted July 2016.
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. (JR)
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. Best after 2007. James Suckling, Wine Spectator 2006
About the producer
Ch. Montrose is one of two Second Growths from Saint-Estèphe and one of the most consistent producers in Bordeaux. The wines from this property are both elegant and powerful, and some of the Médoc's most age-worthy .