The 2018 La Dame de Montrose, a Bordeaux blend from the esteemed St Estephe sub-region of Bordeaux, France, is a noteworthy red wine produced by La Dame de Montrose. Presented in a 3000ml bottle with a cork closure, this wine boasts a substantial alcohol content of 14.5%.
Blended from 52% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, and 4% Cabernet Franc, this wine showcases a deep garnet-purple hue. It has garnered several impressive reviews from professional wine critics, with scores consistently around the 92-94 range.
Jeb Dunnuck described it as a “beautiful second wine with lots of Saint-Estèphe character,” noting its medium to full body and round, textured mouthfeel. He highlighted the presence of blue fruits, tobacco, and graphite, suggesting that it will improve with 3-4 years of aging and could last up to 20 years.
Vinous' Neal Martin gave it a similar score range (90-92), emphasizing its “sweet black cherry and crème de cassis scented bouquet” and the volume and density provided by the thick tannins. He noted that the wine is well-crafted and promises 15 to 20 years of drinking pleasure.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, through Lisa Perrotti-Brown, echoed these sentiments, focusing on the wine’s vivacious notes of redcurrant jelly, mulberries, and juicy blackberries, complemented by underbrush and wild sage. She praised its bright, expressive black and red berry layers, supported by plush tannins and freshness, finishing with a spicy kick.
James Suckling was particularly impressed, awarding it 94 points and highlighting its “very pretty blackcurrants and blueberries with floral undertones” and a rich, flavorful finish. He recommended waiting until after 2025 to fully appreciate its depth.
Jeff Leve from The Wine Cellar Insider also commended the wine, noting its “sweet, ripe red fruits and spice,” and describing it as “juicy, fresh, sweet, round, and ripe.” He remarked that it is quite classy, especially for a second wine, and suggested it will improve with some age.
Wine Enthusiast’s Roger Voss called it a “major star in its own right,” pointing out its dense tannins and concentrated black fruits, and recommending it be enjoyed from 2026 onwards. Finally, Decanter and The Wine Independent also provided favorable reviews, with the latter noting its “bold notions of baked plums, fruitcake, and chocolate-covered cherries,” complemented by exotic spice accents and a velvety texture.
In summary, the 2018 La Dame de Montrose is a well-crafted, complex Bordeaux blend with robust flavors and a promising aging potential, earning high praise from multiple reviewers.