The second wine of Montrose. This has an engaging nose: it’s quite tight but there’s clearly action underneath. The palate is vibrant with good concentration and structure. A worthy little brother to the grand vin - which is one of our wines of 2012.

The second wine has been a strong effort for a number of years. The 2012 Dame de Montrose represents 29% of the total production. Its domination by Merlot is noticeable in the chocolate, mocha and black cherry characteristics. Deep ruby/purple-tinged, fleshy and succulent with low acidity and ripe tannin, it is the ideal second wine to drink over the next decade. Drink: 2013 - 2023 Only 52% of the production made it into the 2012 Montrose, a blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon (harvested between October 13 and 20), 37% Merlot (picked during the third week of September) and a tiny amount of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The pH was 3.7 and I suspect the alcohol level pushes 14%. It is one of the top successes of the vintage. As new administrator Herve Berland indicated, the severe six-week drought caused the Cabernet skins to become very thick, thus resisting the huge rainfall that fell between October 7 and 9. The late harvest dates suggest very ripe Cabernet Sauvignon, which appears to be exactly what has occurred.

Tasted as a barrel sample at the château. Representing 29% of the production, the Dame de Montrose is a blend of 76% Merlot and 24% Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a light blackberry bouquet with just a hint of liquorice. The palate is nicely rounded on the entry. There is good acidity here, a firm grip with a conservative but weighted finish, leaving a briny/salty tang on the aftertaste. Fine. Tasted April 2013.

A fine second wine with friendly fruit and spices. Medium body, with fine tannins and a clean and fresh finish. Second wine of Montrose.