Dame de Montrose - Saint-Estèphe 2014

Vinous

89

byNeal Martinthe4/2/2024

The 2014 La Dame de Montrose is more precocious than Lafon-Rochet on the nose, with hints of dried cherries and black olive compote infusing the black fruit, touches of humidor and red brick. The palate is medium-bodied with dusky black fruit, fine tannins and a little austerity towards the finish, though at least it does exude Saint-Estèphe DNA. Give it a year in bottle. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting.

Vinous

88

byNeal Martinthe3/28/2018

The 2014 La Dame de Montrose has a relatively straightforward bouquet with tobacco-tinged black fruit that need more focus and detail. The palate is medium-bodied with good density, a little chewy, a Saint Estèphe with sinew and backbone, the finish a little heavy-handed and perhaps trying too hard to impress? Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

Jeb DUNNUCK

90

byJeb Dunnuckthe11/30/2017

As to the 2014s, these are beautiful wines and certainly a match for the 2015s. The 2014 La Dame de Montrose offers a deep purple color and classic Cabernet Sauvignon notes as well as a touch of violets, spring flowers and leafy herbs. This medium-bodied, elegant, spicy, complex 2014 has loads of charm yet should keep nicely for 15+ years.

Jamessuckling.com

93

byJames Sucklingthe2/16/2017

What a nose for a second wine! Lovely cassis and delicately leafy/earthy aromas. It’s a rare beast: a really mineral red Bordeaux. This has excellent balance of ripeness and fresh dry tannins and acidity. Long, clean finish.

Wine Spectator

90

byJames Molesworththe2/10/2017

Offers a brisk, racy feel, with red currant, damson plum and Campari notes coursing through, carried by a bright iron spine through the savory-flecked finish. Very pure and firmly grounded in terroir. Best from 2018 through 2026. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. –JM

Vinous

92

byAntonio Gallonithe2/6/2017

A gorgeous second wine, the 2014 La Dame de Montrose is soft, open-knit and very pretty. Bright floral notes add lift and a measure of elegance to the dark-fleshed fruit. Medium in body, with good depth and fine overall balance, the 2014 is just about as good as it gets for a second wine. I won't be surprised if it is still delicious at age 20, although I think its best drinking will take place earlier than that. 92+

Le Point

14,5

byJacques Dupontthe5/21/2015

Fruits noirs, épices, bouche vive, tendue, fraîche, serrée, un peu agressive en finale, bonne tension. 

Vinous

90-93

byAntonio Gallonithe5/11/2015

The 2014 La Dame de Montrose presents a distinctly savory profile. Sweet red cherries, flowers, orange peel, herbs and white pepper give the 2014 much of its aromatic lift. Beautifully layered to match its gracious, understated personality, the 2014 impresses with its striking balance and laid-back sense of power. All the elements meld together in a wine of total grace. The 2014 showed better each time I tasted it over the course of two weeks. This is a very sexy second wine from Montrose. The blend is 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% % Petit Verdot that represents 37% of the total production.

Le Figaro

16,5

byBernard Burtschythe5/6/2015

Une version souple de la Dame qui possède en 2014 du charme, de la suavité et un côté avenant et facile à boire. 50% de merlot, 45% de cabernet-sauvignon, 5% petit-Verdot. 37% de la production. 3-8 ans.

The Wine Cellar Insider

88-90

byJeff Levethe5/5/2015

This wine is Medium-bodied and approachable with freshness, plump, dark red fruits and character. 88-90 Pts

Wine Advocate

84-86

byNeal Martinthe4/30/2015

The La Dame de Montrose 2014 is a blend of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot representing 37% of the total production. The bouquet is a little simple if compared to say, Les Pagodes de Cos 2014: blackberry mixed with boysenberry, a hint of black olive that is accentuated with time. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, grippy tannin. There is moderate concentration here, just a touch of spice emerging toward the finish that tapers away a little too early. At the moment there is a gulf between this and the superlative Grand Vin - it will be interesting to see whether it remains there in bottle.

Asian Palate

89-90

byJeannie Cho Lee MWthe4/20/2015

Nose is ripe with plenty of cocoa, plum and mocha notes. Palate however offers great freshness and a focused body of dark fruit with spices and savory herbs. Alcohol is 13.7% naturally. Merlot had more alcohol and La Dame has 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot.

Decanter.com

17,25

bySteven Spurrierthe4/17/2015

A 50/50 Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon blend: lots of spice, deep cassis fruit and incredible freshness. Will show soon and last well. Drink: 2018-2026 (90+)

Jancis Robinson

16

byJancis Robinsonthe4/16/2015

37% of production. 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot. Wine from their new parcel, which did belong to Montrose in 1855, goes mainly into this wine. Not quite as deep a crimson as Tronquoy de Lalande. Some attractive pepper on the nose. Very rich palate entry. Really rather scrawny on the finish. Some definite green notes.  Drink 2022-2030

My Bettane + Desseauve

16

by Bettane & Desseauvethe4/16/2015

Fruit expressif, belle intensité, assez dense et serrée.

timatkin.com

90

byTim Atkin MWthe4/7/2015

Wine Enthusiast

93

byRoger Vossthe4/1/2015

92–94. Barrel Sample. You have to wait for the tannins to come through this ripe, opulent wine. It has black fruit notes that shine generously, while the tannins kick in on the finish to lend a dark, dense texture to the close. It is ready for aging.   — R.V.  (4/1/2015)