Robert Parker Wine Advocate

A brilliant achievement, the 2021 Montrose is reminiscent of a purer, more precise, modern-day version of the estate's 1996. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of blackcurrants, pencil shavings, sweet loamy soil, black truffle and nicely integrated new oak, it's full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with terrific depth at the core, lively acids and a seamless, harmonious profile. Exhibiting beautifully refined tannins and an impressive sense of completeness, it's a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot—standing out as one of the few top wines of the vintage that actually includes more Merlot and less Cabernet than in recent years.

James Suckling

A very classy and refined Montrose with excellent length and a compact, medium-bodied palate, showing fine, silky tannins and a fresh, bright finish. Lots of currant, blackberry and tar at the end, as well as some graphite. 62% cabernet sauvignon, 31% merlot, 6% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot.

Decanter Magazine

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.

Tim Atkin

Jean-Marc Quarin

VertdeVin

The nose is elegant, delicate and reveals intensity with finesse, freshness, a lovely airiness, attention to detail, a fine floral character and a lovely multi-layered quality. There are notes of pulpy boysenberry, fleshy gariguette strawberry and more lightly fleshy/acidic red berries, a hint of blackcurrant as well as discreet minty hints, lily, Madagascar pepper and a discreet hint of vanilla/roasted. The palate is nicely conducted, focused, precise and reveals freshness, tension, accuracy, a nice freshness, minerality and purity. On the palate this wine expresses notes of almost roasted cherry, fresh raspberry and more slightly juicy/acidic blackcurrant combined with hints of fresh flowers, vanilla, toastiness, a discreet hint of crunchy berries, fine graphite/minerality almost saline, a subtle hint of toastiness, toasted hazelnut. The tannins are sapid and supple. A fine mellowness and a very fine chewiness on the finish/persistence.

Adrian van Velsen - vvWine.ch

Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider

Deep in color, especially for the vintage, you find tobacco leaf, black cherry, pencil shavings, cedar, spice, and dark fruits appearing in the perfume with no effort at all. There is a richness in the palate. The fruit is ripe, fresh, vibrant, and chewy, with lift and energy in the mouth that carries through to the finish. As all fans of Montrose know, the wine more often than not requires decades of age before it is ready to taste, but 2021 is a different beast, allowing you to enjoy it with just a few years before it begins to be fun to taste. The wine was made by blending 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, 13.1% ABV, 3.7. Yields were 38 hectoliters per hectare, with 40% of the harvest going into the Grand Vin. The harvest took place from September 21 to October 6. Drink from 2028-2055.