13.5% abv, Herve Berland – Gerant, St-Estèphe, imported by United Wine & Spirits LLC, Housyon, TX. Cork closure: natural. Biodynamic calendar: fruit day. 

Winemaking notes: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, the 2017 Montrose wine was run off into 60% new and 40% one-year old barrels where it was aged for 18 months. The grand vin represented 37% of the estate’s total production.

Tasting note: the Château Montrose is deep purple in color with hints of garnet and a clean nose of pronounced intensity with aromas of violet, blackberry, black plum, cassis, red currant, black cherry, wax, toffee, caramel, black licorice, cedar, graphite, cocoa powder, marjoram and Moroccan mint. On the palate this wine is dry with medium+ acidity, high tannin, high alcohol, medium+ body, pronounced flavors intensity and a medium+ finish with flavors violet, crimson cherry, cassis, blackberry, red currant, black plum, cedar, graphite, bitter dark chocolate, tobacco, Serrano, marjoram and crème de menthe. Drink now through 2040, this wine is outstanding: 9.7/10.