TN 1996 Montrose

[Jamie Manley]

A well known wine critic, his name escapes me (yeah right!), once called this a "heckuva wine." I could not agree more. This is firing on all cylinders with a tank of nitrous in reserve. A big, bold , brick wall of an adolescent St. Estephe. Huge nose of iron, beef blood, green pepper (that subsides), tobacco, graphite, black cherry, cassis, and pencil. Wow! Palate ups the ante with incredible richness and delineation of the above flavors. This really is a masculine wine. Still some tannin to sort, I see nothing but upside with this wine. It will not equal the amazing 1989, but this puppy is a complete winner! 95+ Pts

[Jeff Leve]

Nice notes as always Jamie. I've never had the 1996 Montrose. I'll need to check it our one of these days.

[Jamie Manley]

Thanks Jeff. The 96 is really coming into its own. Would be very curious to see what you think of it. I'm sure that you'll try it at some point.

[Jeff Leve]

Montrose is a unique Bordeaux wine, for me it's very vintage centric. I like it best in very hot, dry years. Else, it's probably a bit too beefy and masculine for my humble tastes. Plus, it takes decades to come around in the better years. I only own a few vintages, of those, 2003 Montrsoe is at the top of the list. It's the reference vintage for the chateau although 2009 is not far behind and I love both 1989 Montrose and 1990 Montrose.

[Jamie Manley]

When I'm in the mood for a big bruiser, nothing fits the bill like a classic Montrose. I have 86, 89, 96, 00, and 03. (own more 03 than the other vintages though)