CHÂTEAU MONTROSE

The Grand Vin, representing 53% of production, is a blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. It is being matured in 60% new oak. The nose offers plenty of fruit, perhaps even more than Cos d’Estournel with ebullient dark cherries, dark chocolate and black plum scents, although at this stage it does not have the complexity of a top Montrose. The palate is medium-bodied with fleshy ripe tannins that are obviously fully ripe. It is not a complex Montrose, perhaps just a little one-dimensional compared to others. But there is certainly good volume, soft in the mouth (some prudent pumping over here in the winery) with plenty of primal black fruit to enjoy on the finish. It will probably constitute a more approachable Montrose, but it is well made Rating: 90-92 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2013)

(57% cabernet sauvignon, 37% merlot, 5% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot): Deep ruby-red. Floral, mineral nose hints at fresh blackcurrant, but this sample seems tight and closed down currently. On the palate, somewhat strict and linear flavors of blackcurrant and wet stone are lifted by a repeating note of violet. The finish is long and clean but could use more flesh. This classic Bordeaux reminded me of a wine made in the 1970s, but it's easier to drink and less green. Picking took place as late as October 13 for the cabernet sauvignon in the estate's effort to find the ripest possible grapes. About 52% of the estate's total production went into the grand vin, similar to the percentage at Cos but much higher than at Calon-Segur. Rating: 88-91 Ian d'Agata, www.vinousmedia.com (May 2013)

The inky/purple-colored 2012 offers up scents of white chocolate, creme de cassis, acacia flowers, crushed rocks and forest floor. The tannins are surprisingly soft as the pH is about 3.7, which is slightly higher than the 2010's 3.6. This dense, full-bodied wine is still somewhat monolithic, but it is loaded with concentration and power as well as a long finish. While not totally formed, all the component parts are present. The 2012 will not match the level of the 2009 and 2010, but it should stand out as one of the highlights of 2012. Only 52% of the production made it into the 2012 Montrose, a blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon (harvested between October 13 and 20), 37% Merlot (picked during the third week of September) and a tiny amount of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The pH was 3.7 and I suspect the alcohol level pushes 14%. It is one of the top successes of the vintage. As new administrator Herve Berland indicated, the severe six-week drought caused the Cabernet skins to become very thick, thus resisting the huge rainfall that fell between October 7 and 9. The late harvest dates suggest very ripe Cabernet Sauvignon, which appears to be exactly what has occurred. Rating: 92-94 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, www.RobertParker.com (Apr 2013)

Bright deep crimson. Exciting, 'pointed', rather sharply etched impact on the nose. Almost shrill but with great density and definition. Very vibrato! A long distance runner like Cos d'Estournel. 2022 - 2040. Rating: 17.5 Jancis Robinson OBE MW - www.JancisRobinson.com (Apr 2013)

This is not as rich and powerful as the celebrated 2010, nor is it quite as good as the 2011 in my view, but it is still a firm, thick-skinned red with impressive concentration. The wine certainly needs time in the barrel and bottle to come together, but the component parts are all there: black fruits, firmish tannins, subtle oak and a lift of refreshing acidity. A classic Montrose. Drink: 2022-40 Rating: 95 Tim Atkin MW, www.timatkin.com (Apr 2013)

Superb colour, wonderful expression of graphite, almost Pauillac Cabernet Sauvignon fruit, terrific density yet almost satiny texture, very good structure and Latour-like depth, a great classic that needs time. Drink: 2018 - 2035. Rating: 18.25 Steven Spurrier (Apr 2013)

With sooty tannins and lovely earthy undertones, this is firm and powerful with real St-Estèphe flair. Rating: 18 Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (Apr 2013)

Delivers a solid core of black cherry and tobacco leaf, with a briary backdrop on the finish. A bit chewy overall, but this maintains good intensity and a mouthwatering chalky edge. Backward, displaying fine length. Rating: 90-93 James Molesworth, The Wine Spectator (Apr 2013)