Chateau Montrose 1982

WEINWISSER: "Mittleres Weinrot, transparenter, orange-ziegelroter Rand. Brachiale Terroir-Tiefe, Sommertrüffel, schöne Süsse und sauber wie kaum ein Montrose aus jener Zeit. Im Gaumen sowohl in der Aromatik wie von der Kraft her ganz nahe beim Latour des gleichen Jahrgangs, pflaumig, dunkles Malz, konzentriert und mit viel Rückhalt von reifen,weichen Gerbstoffen. Ein grosser, bislang oft unterschätzter Wein, der feiner und eleganter ist als die höher gelobten – und wesentlich teureren – Jahrgänge 1989 und 1990!"

DECANTER: "Expressive and open, lively, forward, bright and shiny with clarity to the red berry and cherry fruit both sour and fresh alongside sweet tobacco, cedar and truffle. Lots of life still on the palate, beautifully textured with grip and hold. The chalky, crushed-stone, salty tang and graphite edges make their mark, almost raw, the tannins slightly grainy, but this captivates from the first sip and holds interest through to the long finish. Full and friendly with such a wonderful sense of place, given the lasting iron tang."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Served blind initially. Subtle, dry but gorgeously smooth-textured with fully evolved tannins. Really fresh with great drive and energy – almost like a fully ripe Cabernet Franc. Savoury, leathery, firm yet round. Admirably long. No hurry to drink this."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Intense aromas of kirsch, currant and spice follow through to a full-bodied palate, with round, velvety tannins and a long, long finish. This is complex, changing on the nose and palate. Layered and structured. Will improve for many years to come.--Non-blind Château Montrose vertical. Drink now."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "A wine that has long enjoyed a somewhat mixed reputation, the 1982 Montrose continues to drink very well at age 40; in fact, this tasting note reflects the best bottle I've ever drunk of this vintage. Exhibiting aromas of sweet berry fruit, cedar box and loamy soil, it's medium to full-bodied, supple and fleshy, with lively acids, melted tannins and a soft, subtly leather-inflected finish. While it isn't as concentrated or characterful as the brilliant 1989 or 1990, for example, it's a generous, open-knit wine that's far from being in danger of imminent decline."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Fully mature, earthy with loads of tobacco, smoke, leaf and spice found among the bright red fruits. Medium-bodied, soft, charming and easy to drink with zero decanting, there is just enough red fruit, cigar box and cedar chest to keep everyone happy. However, there is no reason to hold this any longer."