Bordeaux Wine Enthusiasts

…from half bottle. Curious what the merlot makeup is in this wine.

A quick google search led me to Jancis Robinson's tasting note

2009 La Dame de Montrose
28% of production. 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 82% Merlot. Light nose, slightly soapy, with obviously a lot of substance underneath. Very rich and full and succulent but not awfully refreshing. Just a tad heavy. Then rather raw tannins on the finish. A bit ungainly. Very much a second wine rather than a wine sculpted in its own right. Date tasted 1st April 2010. Drink 2014-2020.
Score: 16 Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, April 2010

And I guess this varies year to year as in 2010 it seems to have flipped too 36% of the production and is a blend of two grapes – 64% Cabernet Sauvignon and 36% Merlot as per the Parker note.

Thanks jckba, it is very merlot dominated. Nice so far after a couple sips on the back deck.

Interesting, Jim. I recently saw Calon's 2009 second wine, the Marquis, offered at $26 (iirc) and it got good comments on CT. But perhaps like the 2009 Dame, it seems it would bear little resemblance to the grand vin because it too was about 70% merlot. With that cepage it's hardly like buying the grand vin's little brother or sister and more like buying a different wine altogether (although made by the same team) -- which I'm not sure if this is a good, bad or indifferent thing. What does the Dame go for in 09?

$29 per half bottle at MacArthur's Art.
Seems to me the Montrose grand vin has had heavier merlot contents in the past, no?
Didn't the 1996 grand vin, of all vintages, have a higher merlot quantity? Maybe not, I just seem to vaguely remember that.
This is a nice little wine. I'm usually pretty skeptical of second labels. At $29 for a half I suppose it better be good.

Evidently not, I guess the '96 first label was only 20% merlot.

I had no idea the blend here was so volatile.

It is on the California end of the Medoc spectrum….

Dang that seems 'spensive and makes the Clitoris de Calon or whatever seem a huge bargain.

Yeah, Montrose has gone over to the dark side price wise. It is quality stuff though.

Not sure why BobbyG did not really like this wine. To me it is very nice. A solid 90 pointer. Really developed on the nose, even displayed a chocolate merlot perfume. It is a combination of California and the northern Medoc, but classy throughout. Very merlot-driven. At $29 per half bottle, or $58 for a 750ml, that is about the max I would pay and I would not buy more than a bottle or two. But it was a rewarding effort. The color was lovely: Black/purple with a youthful purple at the very rim. The bouquet was borderline stunning. Cedar, chocolate, velvety tannins. Will last another decade but delicious now. I'm glad I have two more 375s! Rating: 90 points.

Parker reported that the merlot % of the grand vin was upped when Delmas of Haut Brion fame was brought on in 2006 (with the sale of Montrose to a big French construction concern) to lead the wine makings team.

Does St. steppe produce more merlot than Pauillac and St. Julien?

"the Clitoris de Calon or whatever seem a huge bargain".

Just love the name!

Alex R.

JimHow wrote:Does St. steppe produce more merlot than Pauillac and St. Julien?

Usually St Estephe's have more merlot in their blends, than other Medocs.