La Dame de Montrose, St Estèphe, 2022

The blend is 71% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc, at the upper end of the usual range of percentages for the Merlot, and the élevage was in one-third new oak for twelve months, the remainder one-third each second- and third-fill. It accounts for 35% of production. Aromatically this exudes class, combining mineral and dried fruits with the scents of rose and peony, touched with darker elements of soot. A charming, voluptuous and welcoming style on the palate, very supple and polished, very 2022 in style, with sweet dark fruits, black cherry and currant, damson with a touch of olive, and a pure and defined finish. Only here does the backbone of ripe and finely grained tannins show. As usual this is a very classy second wine. The alcohol on the label is 14.5%, with 14.6% in the wine.

DRINKING WINDOW 2025 - 2039

date of review 06/2025

First year of Pierre Graffeuille as director, and first year to focus on the historic parcels of terrace 4, this is enveloping, seductive, gourmet edges, touches of burnt caramel, spiced and concentrated, as is often the case in this vintage. 45% of production in this.

DRINKING WINDOW 2026 - 2034

date of review 03/2025

The 2022 La Dame de Montrose has a very delineated bouquet that's more mineral-driven than previous vintages, featuring bright blackberry and boysenberry fruit tones. The palate is well balanced, fleshy and quite approachable, with smooth tannins and a lingering graphite-infused finish. It is one of the best second wines from Montrose in recent years.

DRINKING WINDOW 2026 - 2040

date of review 02/2025