La Dame de Montrose 2024

Deep dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, subtle brightening on the rim. Dark wild berries, a hint of liquorice, black cherries, fine wood spice, inviting bouquet. Juicy, elegant, fresh cherry fruit, lively structure, mineral, salty finish, a refined food wine with a red berry aftertaste.

This has dark fruit character, leafy but nuanced and sculpted, lovely savoury mouthwatering quality on the finish, At Montrose they did some leaf removal even in early June at fruit set, and left grass throughout the vineyard all the way through the season to increase competition, and did some tidying up at the very beginning of veraison to remove any that were clearly a little behind schedule - so basically just had to be extremely reactive at all times. The yield was 38hl/h after farming entirely organically. Harvest 23 September to 8 October. 20% large oak casks, 15% new oak.

• Drinking Window: 2029 - 2040
• Reviewer Name: Jane Anson

The 2024 La Dame de Montrose is a very elegant, sexy wine. Lifted aromatics, bright red-toned fruit and silky tannins speak to finesse. All the elements are so well balanced. A burst of red cherry, mocha and crushed flowers extends the soft, supple finish. The 2024 is being raised in approximately 63% used oak, 20% foudre, 15% new oak and 2% amphora. It's an incredibly charming wine that should drink well on release.

• Drinking Window: 2026 - 2034
• Reviewer Name: Antonio Galloni

If the grand vin is built for the ages, the 2024 La Dame de Montrose plays a different hand, emphasizing suavity and charm. Offering up notes of blackcurrants, raspberries, violets and licorice, it's medium to full-bodied, ample and suave, with supple tannins, lively acids and a seamless, complete profile. It's a blend of 73% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc that sees a more reductive élevage than the grand vin.

• Reviewer Name: William Kelley

The 2024 La Dame de Montrose—raised in 15% new oak, 20% foudres and 2% amphora—has a straightforward, relatively light bouquet with blackberry, hints of black olive and light gravelly scents. The palate is medium-bodied with sharp acidity on the entry, balanced but just a little austere towards the second half. It needs to muster more fruité on the finish, but at least displays freshness and classicism.

• Drinking Window: 2028 - 2037
• Reviewer Name: Neal Martin