Aromas of blackberries, blackcurrants, pencil shavings and tobacco. Medium- to full-bodied, this is creamy and crunchy with open, velvety tannins and a juicy finish. 71% merlot, 23% cabernet sauvignon, 5% petit verdot and 1% cabernet franc.

Floral and dark chocolate scents with black berries. Beautifully textured, with grippy tannins, pure fruit and high acidity. Plush, just-chewy blackcurrants and cherries, dark chocolate, liquorice and salty stones. Lifted, minty menthol finish. Balanced, harmonious and confident, nothing overdone. A clear upgrade from en primeur and a standout second wine.

Tobacco, cedar, sea salt, and dark black fruits open the nose. On the palate is where you find this is at its best, There are layers of dark-chocolate, espresso-tinted fruits with grace, and elegance, and a surprising amount of power for a second wine. Everything works, leaving you with length, elegance, and complexity that is ready to go, yet, has the uncanny ability to age for up to 2 decades. This is a true, mini-Montrose! The wine blends 71% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2027-2042.

First year of Pierre Graffeuille as director, and first year to focus on the historic parcels of terrace 4, this is enveloping, seductive, gourmet edges, touches of burnt caramel, spiced and concentrated, as is often the case in this vintage. 45% of production in this.

The 2022 La Dame De Montrose is based on 71% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. It's a beautifully textured, medium-bodied Saint-Estèphe with red and black fruits, some spicy, flowery nuances, nicely integrated oak, and a great finish. This charming, textured, elegant, supple second wine will keep for two decades.

One of the smart purchases this year is the 2022 La Dame de Montrose, a second wine that would embarrass numerous classified growths. Based on 71% Merlot, the Dame sees a more reductive élevage than the grand vin, which is perfectly adapted to this variety. Opening to reveal aromas of sweet cassis, cherries and berries mingled with hints of violets, spices and orange zest, it's full-bodied, deep and multidimensional, with a powerful but controlled profile. - William Kelley

The 2022 La Dame de Montrose has a very delineated bouquet that's more mineral-driven than previous vintages, featuring bright blackberry and boysenberry fruit tones. The palate is well balanced, fleshy and quite approachable, with smooth tannins and a lingering graphite-infused finish. It is one of the best second wines from Montrose in recent years. -- Neal Martin

An enticing red, with loganberry and black cherry fruit that shows a slightly mulled/smoldering edge, while black tea, warm earth and singed bay leaf notes skirt underneath. Approachable now. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2034. - JM