Tasted at the château, the 2001 Montrose is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot picked between 24 September and 9 October. It has quite a tightly wound bouquet that either needs a hefty decant or preferably, another 5-6 years in bottle. The scents that can be coaxed are attractive: blackberry, a touch of tar and pencil box, later Indian ink and cedar wood. The palate is medium-bodied with gently gripping tannin, a fine line of acidity and impressive harmony. This gains complexity towards the finish. Tensile, minerally and edgy, this is becoming a highly pleasurable Montrose that will surprise a few people. Sure, it does lack some persistence, however, keep an eye on this. Tasted September 2016.

A softer expression than the 2000, and unlikely to last as long, with emphasis on the same walnut and campfire notes that I found in the 1996. Instead its expression is far more delicate, dancing across the palate and giving so much pleasure, with finely spun tannins and finessed raspberry fruits. An elegant and joyful expression of the estate, and an excellent reflection of the vintage. Acidity just a little spiky on the finish, but there is a mouthwatering kick that makes you want to go back for more. Harvest September 24 to October 9. Jane Anson June 2021 - Inside Bordeaux

Modest in display, with lightly mulled currant and blackberry fruit infused with bay leaf and tobacco accents. This is sneakily long, offering a very refined chalk- and iron-fueled finish and lovely integration throughout. Echoes of savory and wet pebble at the very end give this a pleasant austerity.—Blind '01/'03/'05 Bordeaux retrospective (December 2017). JM

(blend based on 62% cabernet sauvignon) Medium red-ruby. Aromas of roasted plum and nutty oak. Fat, sweet, broad and suave, with gentle flavors of redcurrant, plum and game. Aromatic and gentle in the mouth. Long, ripe finish features substantial but sweet tannins. Lovely claret. May 2004

Stone, tobacco, blackberry, minerality, lead pencil and spicy, red and black plum flavors are easy to find. This is not the most concentrated vintage for Montrose, yet there is still refined tannins to resolve. From an assemblage of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc, this mineral driven, St. Estephe wine wants another 3-5 years before entering prime time drinking. Tasted Sept 2011

Sweet notes of earth, compost, and thick, juicy black currant as well as cherry characteristics jump from the glass of this dense purple-colored 2001. Medium-bodied and rich, with moderately high tannin as well as surprising power and density, it is the most backward St.-Estephe of the vintage. A blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, it requires 5-6 years of cellaring, and should drink well for 15-16.

Bright, saturated ruby-red. Very dark, perfumed aromas of cassis, blackberry, violet and minerals. Bright but youthfully tight, with flavors of black fruits and minerals and moderate density. Austere but not hard. Finishes firm and backward, with very good grip. Extremely unevolved and difficult to assess today.

Rather muddy nose. Thick and dense and rather rustic but very positive attack. Needs lots and lots of time. (JR)