2011 Chateau Montrose - 2eme Cru St. Estephe

Decanter.com – 94 pts – JA: *Here the tannins are extremely angular and unyielding. This is classic Montrose that is a little firm and nanny-ish at this point, although as it opens in the glass you see a generosity to the fruit coming to the fore, with sweet blueberry and raspberry notes. Well handled but lacks the generosity of 2010 and 2009. Petit Verdot 3% completes the blend. Harvest September 2 to 27.* - 02/2021

Falstaff Magazin - 92 pts - PM: *Dunkles Rubingranat, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung, feine Edelholznuancen, schwarze Waldbeeren, reife dunkle Herzkirschen, tabakige Nuancen, einladendes Bukett. Mittlerer Körper, schwarze Frucht, präsente Tannine, frisch strukturiert, mineralisch-salzig im Abgang, zarte Kräuterwürze im Nachhall, noch sehr jung, wird von weiterer Reife profitieren.* -02/2022

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 90pts - NM: *Tasted at the château, the 2011 Montrose is a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot picked between 2-27 September. The nose does not possess the exuberance of the 2008, a little conservative and lacking personality by comparison. It does repay aeration though and after some time, there are attractive cold stone/limestone notes that begin to emerge. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, grippy tannin. It is a solid Montrose, quite stout, perhaps not the greatest fun you will ever have with a Claret, yet with admirable depth on the lightly spiced, cedar-infused finish. Whilst I prefer the 2008 Montrose, the 2011 is a decent off-vintage that should offer 20 years of drinking pleasure. Tasted September 2016.* -03/2017

Vinum Magazin – 18/20pts: *Superbe Flasche, Klassetannnin, mundfüllend und mit Schliff, besitzt Rasse und Länge, klassisch, stilsicher, gross.* - 05/2012

WeinWisser – 18+/20 pts - TW: *Was für ein tiefgründiges Bouquet mit einer vollen Ladung dunklem Graphit, Sommertrüffel und Bleistiftmine, dahinter Wildkirsche, heller Tabak und Cranberry-Saft. Am komplexen Gaumen mit engmaschigem vollgepacktem Tanningerüst, edler Salznote, fein körniger Extraktfülle, tänzelt wie ein Schwergewichtsboxer in der 10. Runde. Im konzentrierten Finale mit Wildkirsche, Cassis und Terroirwürze. Der Gigant sollte mind. noch 5 Jahre (aus)ruhen dürfen.* - 12/2021

(04/12): *This has aromatic range and depth of fruit, offering enticing dark currant, plum and blackberry
notes that show lots of savory herb and racy chalk notes, with a long, gravelly finish. A terrific effort in
one of the more heterogeneous appellations of the vintage. (91-94/100)*

JamesSuckling.com - 92pts - JS: *This is a tannic, chewy Montrose with lots of spice, berry and earth character. Full body, chewy and fruity. Intense tannins. Try in 2018 when the tannins soften.* -02/2014

Vinous.com – 91+ pts – ID: *Bright dark ruby. Expressive, soil-driven aromas of blackberry, raspberry, rose petal and minerals. Bright and juicy, with flinty black fruit and mineral flavors nicely framed by harmonious acidity. Finishes lightly saline and energetic, with dusty, fine-grained tannins. Very nicely balanced Montrose but I hope the tannins won't outlive the fruit.* - 07/2014