Château Montrose 1996 comes from a sensational Bordeaux vintage for the left bank (the northern Médoc in particular), with many powerful, full-bodied Cabernets showing why it is the finest winemaking district on earth; and Montrose was one of the stars of the show.

Montrose is enjoying a grand period in its history. Over recent years it has been arguably the most reliable of all Saint-Estèphe Cru Classés: accounting for muscular, masculine Bordeaux that have proved a match for many Médoc first growths.

"A great wine for those who really love classic Bordeaux...this is developing along the lines of the classic 1989. A rich chocolaty nose mixed with roasted herbs. The palate is decadent, well-knit tannins that do not obtrude like so many other 1996's. Rich, supple and rounded with complex black fruits, cigar-box and espresso coffee. Very long. This is a wonderful Montrose." eRobertParker.com

"Beautiful aromas of crushed berries and vanilla, with hints of licorice. Full-bodied, with sweet fruit and silky tannins. Long and caressing. Beautiful now; may improve a bit with age, but why wait? I thought it was one of the wines of the vintage years ago." Wine Spectator (2007)