Professional reviews
Robert Parker (98)
The 2005 Montrose continues to show brilliantly, unwinding in the glass with notes of blackcurrant, red fruits, loamy soil, black truffles and cigar ash. Full-bodied, deep and concentrated, it's still brooding and tannic, with lively acids and an imposing chassis of structuring—and artery-cleansing—extract. Still an adolescent, it's one of the last unrepentantly old-school vintages of Montrose, and Médoc purists couldn't own enough. While this remains a very youthful wine, it is now apparent that the 2005 will, at maturity, surpass the 1989 and 1990.
Winespectator (94)
Black licorice and blackberry aromas, with hints of mineral, lead to a full-bodied palate. Very chewy, with loads of tannins, yet this follows through with beautifully ripe fruit, mineral and mint. Fascinating.
James Suckling (96)
Loads of spice, berry, meat, cloves and chocolate on the nose. Full body with soft, silky tannins and lots of rich fruit. Still chewy. This is just starting to open now. It was decanted three hours in advance in this tasting. I would still leave it.
Jancis Robinson (18)
asted blind. Sweet, luscious nose. Lots of raciness and grace. Masses of tannin buried under really rather fine fruit. Dry but not drying finish. Pretty sophisticated.
Vinous (96)
The 2005 Montrose is spectacular. Bright, perfumed and vertically explosive, the 2005 possesses remarkable energy right out of the gate. In 2005, Montrose doesn't quite have the heft that it can, but that actually works to its advantage. Readers will find a wine that marries elegance with power so well. Gravel, dried herb, lavender and mocha lend striking complexity to the dark fruit in this gorgeous, regal Montrose. If anything, the 2005 still needs more time in bottle!
Jeb Dunnuck (97)
A big, rich, gorgeous Montrose, the 2005 reveals a deep ruby/plum hue as well as classic Saint-Estephe notes of darker currants and cassis interwoven with graphite, leather, and violet nuances. It’s a big, rich, concentrated, medium to full-bodied effort that has a terrific sense of freshness, flawless balance, and remarkable purity and precision. It’s just now starting to show a kiss of maturity and it looks to be in the early phases of its prime drinking window. It’s also the finest bottles I’ve had, pointing to this starting to round the corner and show its full potential. A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and a splash of Petit Verdot, it’s not far off the style of the 2010, although maybe with a touch more accessibility. It should cruise for another 30 years in cold cellars.
Decanter (98)
Here we are fully crossing the threshold into younger, more primary aromatics, but they are also well integrated, beautifully softened and gorgeous. This is sappy with a chalky minerality and fully pliable tannins. It's powerful, with a smile-inducing purity of fruit expression and excellent persistency of exotic coffee notes. 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 3.5% Cabernet Franc, 0.5% Petit Verdot
Rene Gabriel (18)
Rene Gabriel rates this wine 18/20 points.
BOW (9)
