Chateau Montrose 2eme Cru 1982

Jane Anson: A soft plum colour, beginning to soften towards tawny and amber around the edge. On the nose tobacco, truffles, beeswax, walnut, saffron, camphor, with a softly spoken blackberry and gentle woodsmoke. Very much in its drinking window, just starting to get strawberry and higher acidity notes on the finish. This is made for a cigar and a book in front of a fire, or for chatting long into the evening with friends. Drink now and over the next five to 10 years, although no doubt it will surprise us for a few decades more. Last tasted July 2018 and it has dropped a little since then, although could be bottle variation. 93/100 (2021)

Robert Parker: A wine that has long enjoyed a somewhat mixed reputation, the 1982 Montrose continues to drink very well at age 40; in fact, this tasting note reflects the best bottle I've ever drunk of this vintage. Exhibiting aromas of sweet berry fruit, cedar box and loamy soil, it's medium to full-bodied, supple and fleshy, with lively acids, melted tannins and a soft, subtly leather-inflected finish. While it isn't as concentrated or characterful as the brilliant 1989 or 1990, for example, it's a generous, open-knit wine that's far from being in danger of imminent decline. 91/100 (2022)

Jeff Leve: Fully mature, earthy with loads of tobacco, smoke, leaf and spice found among the bright red fruits. Medium-bodied, soft, charming and easy to drink with zero decanting, there is just enough red fruit, cigar box and cedar chest to keep everyone happy. 91/100 (2020)