'An absolute monster of a Saint-Estèphe, the 1990 Château Montrose has to-die-for notes of ripe red and black currants, smoked tobacco, lead pencil, saddle leather, truffle, and a hint of eucalyptus that develops with time in the glass. These all carry to a full-bodied, incredibly concentrated 1990 with a layered, stacked mid-palate, resolved tannins, and incredible length. There's clearly a kiss of background brett here (which is a known issue with this vintage), but it doesn't detract in the least in my view, and the density, texture, and power of this beauty, with no sensation of weight, is something to behold. It has a touch of bricking and is clearly fully mature, but this has the concentration and depth to evolve gracefully for another two decades. I don't see any upside here, though, so don't be afraid to open bottles!' (100pts JD, 03/24)

Vintage 1990, Chateau Montrose, St. Estephe, into neck, lbsl (1 750 ml)


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