![2008 Montrose [Bordeaux Blend] 750](https://www.jjbuckley.com/permalink/bottle/image/2008-812-750)
The 2008 Montrose is a Bordeaux Blend from the St Estephe sub-region of Bordeaux, France. Produced by Montrose, this red wine is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. It has an alcohol content of 13% and is sealed with a cork.
The wine has garnered high praise from various reviewers. James Suckling awarded it a score of 95, highlighting the "purity and precision" of the wine. He describes it as having a "medium to full body" with "firm and chewy tannins" and a "long finish of currant and spice," suggesting that it will be "better in 2020 but beautiful now." Jamie Goode, also awarding it 95 points, lauds its "beautiful ripe aromatics" and "lovely ripe fruit," noting its "fresh, open, mineral and quite elegant" palate. He commends it as a "beautifully elegant Montrose."
Wine Spectator's James Molesworth gave it a score of 91, pointing out its "density" and "pleasantly firm edge to the plum, black cherry and currant fruit," wrapped in "notes of iron, tobacco, and savory herb." He notes that the "long rock-solid finish is still a bit tight but should meld nicely in the cellar."
Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss scored it 94, praising its "powerful yet restrained style," packed with "ripe plum and sweet berry fruit flavors laced with firm dusty tannins." He also mentioned its "great freshness" due to the acidity filtering through its dense texture.
Neal Martin of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also awarded it 94 points, describing it as "very composed, almost understated, yet clearly with great potential." He highlights its "grippy tannin" and "impressive mineralité," calling it "one of the finest wines of the vintage."
Decanter's panel, which also rated it at 95, noted that it is "still very much young and austere but with a commanding presence." They describe it as a "classically structured Montrose" with "crushed slate, tobacco, and bilberry."
Overall, the 2008 Montrose is a highly acclaimed Bordeaux Blend with notable mentions of its firm structure, ripe fruit flavors, and long aging potential. It is recommended to decant before serving or wait a few more years for it to reach full maturity.