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For many years I have vehemently argued that the 1989 Montrose is a benchmark wine for the estate. Having tasted it several times over the last couple of months, I have never found a single occasion to alter that view. Tasted at the vertical in London, it continues to shine, having never lost any of its luster in recent years. It is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc that was picked from 11 to 28 September. Lucid in color, the aromatics do not hold back with vibrant blackberry, blueberry and black truffle, hints of sous-bois, all with sensational precision that few can match in this vintage (indeed, its precision lends it a veneer of modernity since precision is now more commonplace across Bordeaux). The palate is brilliantly balanced with filigree tannin. There is wonderful backbone here, extremely fresh and tensile, crystalline even with an exceptional detail, mineral-rich finish that lingers in the mouth. Difficult to fault, this might well be the greatest 1989 Montrose that I have tasted, and certainly wishing to take nothing away from the 1990 Montrose that I tasted alongside, the 1989 is now the one I would pick. Is this the greatest Saint Estèphe of the 1980s? I would put it within the top five Bordeaux of the 1980s. Could this be inching its way to perfection??? Tasted June 2016.

Drinking Window: 2016 - 2060

Reviewer Name: Neal Martin

Review Date: 31st March 2017

2020 Louis Jadot (Maison) Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru

The 2020 Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru has more attack and penetration compared to the Bienvenue, greater mineralité and terroir expression. The palate is finely balanced with plenty of ripe citrus fruit laced with stem ginger and dried orange rind. Perhaps it just cuts away a little swiftly on the finish, but otherwise this is a decent 2020 white. Closure: Diam

-- Neal Martin (91-93) Neal Martin 2025 - 2048 Not Available Dec 2021

The competition between the 2009, 2005 and 2000 La Conseillante will be interesting to follow over the next twenty years. There was more of a selection process at this estate in 2009 than there was in 2000, resulting in a beautiful Pomerol offering notes of mulberries, sweet cherries, spring flowers, raspberries and truffles. The color is a healthy deep plum/ruby/purple and the wine is medium to full-bodied with silky tannins, a broad, layered mouthfeel and wonderful freshness as well as length. This gorgeous, complex, Burgundian-styled Pomerol will be drinkable in 4-6 years and should keep for 30-40. (The 1970 is still alive and that was not nearly as well made as the 2009.) One of the all-time great wines from Jean-Luc Thunevin and his partner Murielle Andraud, the 2009 Valandraud represents 13,000 bottles, with most of it coming from vineyard parcels near the sector of St.-Emilion known as St.-Christophe des Bardes. Score: 96

A candidate for a perfect score, the 2003 Montrose has been a superstar since the first time I tasted it in barrel. Showing no signs of weakening, it is an amazing wine from this fabulous terroir. It boasts a deep blue/purple color as well as a stunning perfume of blueberries, black currants, blackberries, licorice and camphor. Dense, full-bodied and rich with an unctuous texture, well-integrated, melted tannins, and a long, heady finish, this big, brawny, super-intense, gorgeous 2003 is just beginning to enter its plateau of full maturity. It should remain there for at least two decades.

Score: 99

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate  Maturity: 2014-203401 August 2014

The grapes were harvested between September 11 and 26. The blend in 2003 was 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot (a very high percentage), 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. The wine, unlike most 2003s, has a freshness and liveliness provided by their extraordinary terroir. This wine can be drunk now. It has a dense bluish/purple color to the rim and an extraordinary nose of blueberries and mulberries, with blacker cassis and blackberry entering the picture. Scorched earth, spice and licorice are all present in this magnificent, full-bodied, opulent wine that is very Montrose, very classic and somewhat atypical of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2040.

Score: 99

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate  Maturity: 2015-204001 August 2014

In total contrast was the young, enormously endowed, potentially monumental 2003 Château Montrose. Inky purple to the rim, with amazing concentration, high but noble, sweet tannins, this is entirely too young to drink, but I enjoyed it and think, along with the 1990 and 1989, it is one of the three greatest wines I have ever tasted from Montrose. It has at least 30-40 years of life ahead of it and will certainly be strutting its stuff long after I’m pushing up daisies.

Score: 100

Robert Parker, Hedonists Gazette, erobertparker.com  Maturity: 2009-204931 January 2009

The enormous 2003 Montrose is built along the lines of the 1989 rather than the 1990. It boasts a dense black/purple color in addition to an extraordinary bouquet of scorched earth, blackberries, and cassis, fabulous purity, a skyscraper-like texture, and substantial tannin in the finish. This superb, huge, ripe wine is one of the vintage’s most prodigious offerings. However, patience will be essential for anyone purchasing this 2003. (97+ Points)

Score: 97

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate  Maturity: 2010-203530 April 2006

Certainly one of the vintage’s most colossal wines and clearly one of the estate’s greatest efforts, rivaling the 1989, 1990, and 2000, this wine, which tips the scales at 13% alcohol (the 1990 was 13.5%), has an amazingly opaque purple color to the rim, and a big, sweet, exotic nose of blackberry liqueur intermixed with acacia flower, creme de cassis, smoke, and hints of truffle and vanilla. In the mouth the wine is full-bodied, opulent, but offers surprising definition and finesse, which is something it was showing less of nine months ago. Brilliantly delineated in spite of its amazing concentration and unctuosity, this is a thrilling, exceptional effort that should prove to be a modern-day legend. I tend to think this wine will actually be approachable in 5-6 years but capable of lasting for at least three decades. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2030+. To reiterate what I said last year, this is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, and the rest equal parts Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

Score: 97 - 100

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate  Maturity: 2009-2030+30 April 2005

A whopping 78% of the production made it into the prodigious 2003 Montrose. Harvested between September 11 - 26, this 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot blend was fashioned from low yields of 35 hectoliters per hectare. The pH is high (3.9), and the alcohol is 13.2%. Reminiscent of a hypothetical blend of the compelling 1989 and 1990, this inky/purple-colored 2003 boasts a spectacular, flamboyant perfume of creme de cassis, new wood, smoke, crushed rocks, and white flowers. Magnificently rich, unctuously textured, and full-bodied, with huge presence on the palate, and a finish that exceeds 60 seconds, this is a legendary effort from Montrose. It is capable of rivaling the wines produced in 2000, 1990, and 1989. Given its low acidity and incredible performance already, it should drink well in 5-6 years, and last for 25-30.

Score: 96 - 100

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate  Maturity: 2009-203430 April 2004

Tasted blind at Farr Vintner’s Left Bank tasting. This is the business. The Montrose 2003 is blessed with a complex bouquet with blackberry, scorched earth, black olive and cedar that really is a cut above its peers. Superb delineation. The palate is full-bodied with firm, bold tannins, great fruit concentration with cedar, spice, blackberry, white pepper and allspice towards the vibrant finish. Superb. Tasted October 2010.

Score: 97

Neal Martin, erobertparker.com  01 March 2011

Good medium-deep ruby-red. Superripe, roasted aromas of black raspberry, chocolate and licorice. Wonderfully dense, sweet and lush, with an early roundness rare for this wine. A monumental St. Estephe with almost confectionery sweetness. Wonderfully horizontal, palate-saturating wine with huge but thoroughly ripe, lush tannins. It's hard to believe that a wine this rich and deep could be carrying just 13.2% alcohol. The only thing missing here is the floral topnote of 2005, but that's a quibble in this baking-hot vintage, as Montrose's cooler, water-retentive clay-rich soil handled the extreme heat and drought as well as any chateau in the Bordeaux region. The final blend is 63% cabernet sauvignon, 33% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot.

Score: 96

Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar  01 May 2006

Dark color. Aromas of blackberry, toasted oak, spice and tobacco. Loads of plum. Medium- to full-bodied, with very integrated and refined tannins. Long. This really builds on the palate. This is better than the 2000 and 1990. Only time will tell if it's better than the 1989. Best after 2011. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 15,830 cases made.

Score: 95

James Suckling, Wine Spectator  Maturity: 2011+31 March 2006

Very dark crimson, the deepest of all these wines with colour all the way out to the rim. Young, fresh, very frank aromas - still distinctly unevolved. Extremely dry, savoury and mineral - not a hint of the raisiny sweetness that dogs so many 2003s. Wonderfully rich and layered yet dry and savoury on the finish. A hint of unsweetened chocolate with a floral topnote. Great hit on the front palate, then something dry and scrunchily appetising on the finish. Very very long.

Score: 19

JancisRobinson.com, Jancisrobinson.com  Maturity: 2015-2030

Score: 97 Robert Parker, Bordeaux Book (4), December 2003

Sitting next to my former colleague, Pierre Antoine Rovani, at one of the tastings, he commented that he didn't like the striking green note in the aromatics of this wine, which I didn't detect at all, and a subsequent bottle at another tasting did not reveal it either. I do think there is a hint of bay leaf and a meatiness to it. In short, I find this to be a spectacular Pichon Lalande. Dense purple in color, with loads of coffee, mocha, creme de cassis, and chocolate notes, this is a somewhat unusual blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, and a whooping 10% Petit Verdot, with a little bit of Cabernet Franc. The Petit Verdot certainly gives the wine more of a tapenade, floral note, which I think can be interpreted by some as herbal. This is a rich, opulent, stunning Pichon Lalande that is beginning to drink beautifully, yet should continue to improve for at least another 10-15 years and last 30 or more years.

A blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Merlot, this wine represents only 34% of Lafite's total harvest. In a less than perfect Medoc vintage, it has been spectacular since birth, putting on more weight and flesh over the last year. This opaque purple-colored 1998 is close to perfection. The spectacular nose of lead pencil, smoky, mineral, and black currant fruit soars majestically from the glass. The wine is elegant yet profoundly rich, revealing the essence of Lafite's character. The tannin is sweet, and the wine is spectacularly layered yet never heavy. The finish is sweet, super-rich, yet impeccably balanced and long (50+ seconds). Anticipated maturity: 2007-2035.

Just starting to drink really well. Great balance and medium body with real finesse, subtlety and maturity on the nose. Very well mannered and rewarding.

Score: 18

JancisRobinson.com, Jancisrobinson.com Maturity: 2009-202019 April 2011

Wonderful perfumes of blackberry, Indian spice and eucalyptus. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and firm tannins. Needs some time to loosen up.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2008.

Score: 92

James Suckling, Wine Spectator Maturity: 2008+01 January 2007

Deep ruby-red. Very sexy aromas of currant, blackberry and brown sugar, all lifted by an ineffable floral quality from the thoroughly ripe cabernet sauvignon that comprises three-quarters of the blend. Dense, fresh and thick with extract; a wonderful combination of texture and guts. Has a core of steel and a powerful structure I haven't found in more recent vintages from this chateau. A very serious style of Pichon-Lalande, with much less merlot than usual. Finishes with terrific length and grip. Drink between 2005 and 2025. (95+ points)

Score: 95

Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar Maturity: 2005-202501 July 2002

The 1996 Pichon-Lalande is just as awesome from bottle as it was from multiple cask tastings. For Pichon-Lalande, the percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon is atypically high. This wine normally contains 35-50% Merlot in the blend, but the 1996 is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot. Only 50% of the estate's production made it into the grand vin. The color is a saturated ruby/purple. The nose suggests sweet, nearly overripe Cabernet Sauvignon, with its blueberry/blackberry/cassis scents intermixed with high quality, subtle, toasty new oak. Deep and full-bodied, with fabulous concentration and a sweet, opulent texture, this wine was singing in full harmony when I tasted it in January. Given the wine's abnormally high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon, I would suspect it will close down. It possesses plenty of tannin, but the wine's overwhelming fruit richness dominates its personality.

Score: 96

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate Maturity: 2004-202501 April 1999

he 1996 exhibits a dark plum/ruby/purple color that is just beginning to lighten at the edge, surprisingly velvety tannins and a classic Pauillac bouquet of lead pencil shavings, cedarwood, black currants, sweet cherries and spice box. This medium to full-bodied, elegant, savory, broad wine is still five years away from full maturity. It should continue to drink well for another 10-15 years.
-Robert Parker, Wine Advocate # 196 Aug 2011

Rating

94

Release Price

NA

Drink Date

2015 - 2030

Reviewed by

Neal Martin

Issue Date

29th Jul 2016

Source

Interim End of July, The Wine Advocate

The 1983 Cheval Blanc, which incidentally was served from magnum, has consistently been one of the standout wines of the vintage. Here is one of the finest examples that I have encountered. Sure, its age can no longer be disguised thanks to its tawny-rimmed hue, but the aromatics burst full of red fruit, cigar box, beef stock and tobacco scents that immediately capture your senses. The palate is medium-bodied and very well balanced, underpinned by a keen line of acidity. There is so much freshness here after 30 years and yet it does not begrudge or disguise its age. Even from magnum, you feel that it is approaching the end of its drinking plateau, however there is still so much pleasure to be gained. Maintaining its savory core of fruit and meatiness, this remains a wonderful Cheval Blanc. Tasted March 2015.

This is a strong performance from the Cheval 1983, almost reaching the heights of the 1982. It retains that engaging, savory bouquet, the Cabernet Franc so expressive with mulberry, cloves and warm leather. Compared to the previous vintage it feels rustic, but it possesses the same degree of charm. The palate is medium-bodied with melted tannins. It feels very harmonious in the mouth, what you might describe as an "old school" Saint Emilion with a tobacco and game-inspired finish. Just a wonderful Cheval Blanc that is still drinking extremely well. Tasted February 2014.

Wine Journal
Sep 2011 Neal Martin 94 Drink 2011 - 2025 $424-$800
Tasted at Cheval Blanc dinner at The Ledbury. This has long been one of my favourite vintages of Cheval Blanc, though recent bottles have not quite attained the ethereal heights of six or seven years ago. It has retained that complex nose with savoury fruit, fig, roasted chestnuts on a winter hearth and with time, there is a hint of iodine. The palate is medium-bodied, with raspberry, pomegranate, autumn leaves and a touch of Chinese tea. Very cohesive and impressive weight on a finish that I can only describe as ‘charismatic’. Drink now-2025. Tasted November 2010.

Wine Journal
May 2009 Neal Martin 96 Drink N/A $424-$800
Tasted single blind at the Fine Wine Experience horizontal in London. A deep garnet core. A very well defined, herbaceous nose, with tobacco, chestnut, savoury fruit and a touch of dates. Quite complex and with very good vigour, the Cabernet Franc right in the (slightly bretty?) saddle. After thirty minutes, a lovely menthol character coming through. The palate is medium-bodied, very well balanced with fine tannins and superb acidity. Very well poised with great tension. Pure blackberry, raspberry, Chinese tea, tobacco and dried leaves. Lovely, elegant, very focused finish. Superb Cheval, multi-faceted if not as sophisticated as the ‘85. Tasted October 2008.

Wine Journal
Jan 2000 Neal Martin 95-97 Drink N/A $424-$800
First tasted at Chez Nico with "BK Vik" in December 2001: lucid amber rim. Rich, roasted chestnuts and herbs on nose. Forward with mature expressive tannins. Very open and expressive. Less depth and structure than the 1982 but more sophisticated. Moderate acidity with a bitter cherry/leathery finish. Drink now. Certainly a lovely wine. Even better in May 2004 - a show stopping nose of herbs, chestnuts and leather. Very intense aromas which just builds in the glass. The palate is pure cabernet franc: quite meaty, savory with a touch of fig. Very harmonious and smooth. Probably approaching its peak. Irresistible wine. In December 2004: a rich, fleshy, sumptuous nose. Meaty with roasted chestnuts. Dominated by the Cabernet Franc. Very complex. Becoming more herbal with hints of espresso coffee. Very harmonious on the palate. Smooth texture. Lovely balance. Suave, quite ostentatious, fleshy and meaty. Very savory with mocha, leather and a touch of soy. Fabulous Cheval drinking perfectly now. July 2005 A deep garnet core with ruby rim. The nose is wonderful: very intense, very Cabernet Franc with roasted herbs and undergrowth. The palate is full-bodied and beautifully balanced, as warm an inviting as a log-fire on a winters night. Open-knit, slightly grainy in texture with notes of mocha, dried herbs and cooked meats. Faded a little in the glass. Probably at its peak, this is still one of my favourite Cheval Blancs of the 1980's. Tasted July 2005.

Rating

91

Release Price

$87

Drink Date

2009 - 2018

Reviewed by

David Schildknecht

Issue Date

25th Feb 2009

Source

181, The Wine Advocate

The 2007 Gruner Veltliner Smaragd Hochrain displays almost Riesling-like transparency and refinement, with a shimmering sense of mineral notes (white pepper, chalk dust, salt) playing against sweet pea, lime, and green tomato. A sense of compactness and palpable extract underlies this wine’s sheer concentration, and yet it generates energy and lift in its finish, belying its well over 14% alcohol. This should be a ten year wine. Pichler’s 2007s differ very little in gross chemistry from his 2006s – including the high alcohol of several Gruner Veltliner – yet they have dramatically different personalities. Pichler compares them with his 1997s, and perhaps time in bottle will more clearly bear out that high praise. Rudi Pichler is a great believer in watchfully letting nature take its course and although some of his 2007s came in with pH levels many growers would consider alarmingly high he gave no thought to adjusting them, and the finished wines bear him out, displaying the vivacity and freshness typical of 2007. 

(89-92) pts Jasper Morris MW
“Dark centre with lighter rim. Excellent juicy very dark fruit, the tannins are discreet with low but adequate acidity. Quite accessible but may refine later. I suspect the blended Gevrey-Chambertin may have the edge.”