Château Montrose’s La Dame de Montrose is the Saint-Estèphe Second Growth’s second wine, first produced in 1983 as a tribute to Yvonne Charmolüe, who led the estate from 1944 to 1960. Drawn from the same 95-hectare vineyard overlooking the Gironde, La Dame is made with the same exacting standards as the grand vin, but in a more immediately approachable style. In 2025, that approach is clear in a notably Merlot-led blend: 82% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc.

Critical reception for the 2025 barrel sample is excellent, clustering in the low-to-mid 90s and highlighting freshness, polish, and aromatic lift. Jeb Dunnuck (93–95) calls it “medium-bodied, round, and supple,” with “remarkable purity and gorgeous tannins,” adding that it is “almost impossible to resist today.” The Wine Independent’s 92–95 point review is similarly strong, praising a wine that is “very fine and well composed with all elements seemingly very well integrated,” with a “long and fine aftertaste.” James Suckling rates it 94 and emphasizes “brightness and freshness, with red currants and oyster shells,” finishing “crunchy” and “crisp.”

Aromatic detail is a consistent theme. Antonio Galloni of Vinous (91–93) describes “crushed flowers, red-toned fruit, cinnamon and pomegranate,” calling this “an especially elegant, refined Dame.” Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (91–93) finds it “deep and dense” yet “lively and layered,” with “dark berries, fruitcake and spices” and a “bright, sapid finish.”

Elevage is carefully calibrated: multiple reviewers cite 15% new oak, alongside foudre (20%) and amphora (5%), with Decanter (93) describing a “sleek” wine that is “fine, delicate and refined,” yet “quite impressive.” Analytical details include 13.7% alcohol and around pH 3.5 (Decanter; The Wine Palate). Jane Anson (92) notes a “mouthwatering finish” and “plenty of slate character,” pointing to a juicy but controlled style in 2025.