2008 Montrose

95 POINTS

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

One of the superstars of the vintage, this classic Montrose is not as showy or opulent as the 2010, 2009 or 2003, but it offers a dense purple color followed by gorgeously sweet black raspberry and black currant fruit intermixed with loamy, earthy, forest floor notes, a floral component and a long, full-bodied finish. The 2008 was fashioned from yields of 44 hectoliters per hectare which is slightly less than the 2010's 45 hectoliters per hectare. Forget it for 5-8 years and drink it over the following 20+. Drink 2016-2036

94 POINTS

James Suckling

I impressed with the purity of fruit and ultra-fine tannins in this wine. It's full bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, long finish. Sexy and refined. Ends with spices and berries. Fascinating for the vintage. Chewy. Better after 2014.

91 POINTS

James Molesworth - Wine Spectator

This has a density that sets it apart, with a pleasantly firm edge to the plum, black cherry and currant fruit, all wrapped with notes of iron, tobacco and savory herb. The long, rock-solid finish is still a bit tight, but it should meld nicely in the cellar. A fine effort for the vintage. Best from 2013 through 2020. - J.M

Stephen Tanzer - Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

(65% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot; the estate-wide yield here was 44 hl/ha) the very early harvest date of September 29 for the merlot (October 15 for the cabernet sauvignon) suggests that the estate might have pulled the trigger a little too quickly here, especially in what is one of the cooler terroirs of Bordeaux.

Neal Martin - Wine Advocate

A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, cropped at 44hl/ha and representing 60% of production. It has a deep garnet core. The bouquet is very “classic” – rather aloof and austere. Again, there are dominant sous-bois and tobacco aromas. Moderate vigour: conservative. The palate is medium-bodied, quite sharp on the entry, austere and foursquare. Holding something back perhaps? A touch of salt and pepper on the finish. Very linear. A serious Montrose that could do with more joie-de-vivre. I regret being able to taste this just once, as others are more positive about this wine. Tasted March 2009.

James Suckling - Wine Spectator

Shows blackberry and black licorice, with hints of mint. Full-bodied and fruity, with very fine tannins, good acidity and a nice intensity of mineral and spices.

Steven Spurrier - Decanter

Black-red, complex, concentrated blackcurrants nose, firm on the palate, quite tight and tough despite inherent richness, a classic Montrose which needs waiting for. Drink 2020-35. 18/20

René Gabriel - WeinWisser

65 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 30 % Merlot, 4 % Cabernet Franc, 1 % Petit Verdot. 60 % der Lese wurde für den Grand Vin klassifiziert. Sehr dunkles Weinrot mit lila und violetten Reflexen. Kühles, dennoch sehr intensives Cabernet Bouquet mit viel Tabak, schwarzen Pfefferkörnern, Brombeerstauden und einer würzigen Napa-Valley-Note, dunkles Holz, sehr floral, aber nicht unreif. Im Gaumen ein Grandseigneur: erhaben und verlangend, mit kräftiger Adstringenz, im Extrakt noble Bitternoten, recht langes Finale. Ein recht grosser Wein mit klassischer Ausrichtung und grossem Potenzial. 2018 – 2036 18/20