Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

This was a check-in to see how ready my 2000 Montrose’s are doing. A good check.

This is absolutely a close relative of the 2nd Growth Montrose. The thing that experience has taught me is, Montrose is a long in the tooth producer. As well, the 2000 Bordeaux vintage mimics that completely.

I would say the 2000 Montrose is finally ready with a longish decant.

This is completely classic Bordeaux and Saint-Estèphe.

The nose shows ripe, lush, nearly candied fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, both plums, back/stewed dark cherries, strawberries & raspberry hues. Both dark & milk chocolate to pudding, dry twig/soils, dark rich soils, dry river stone, dark & mid berry cola, anise to black licorice, softly layered baking spices, limestone/sandstone, black tea, used leather & tobacco, black olive tapenade, light cedar, semi-used charcoal, dark, red fresh & slightly withering flowers.

The palate shows nicely resolved M+ rounded, tarry tannins. It has freshness and bright fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, both plums, back/stewed dark cherries, strawberries & raspberry hues. Both dark & milk chocolate to pudding, dry twig/soils, dark rich soils, dry river stone, dark spice w/ palate heat, dark & mid berry cola, anise to black licorice, softly layered baking spices-nutmeg, clove, cinnamon & very light vanillin, limestone/sandstone, moist clay, crushed dry rocks, grey volcanics, black tea, used leather & tobacco, black olive tapenade, light cedar, dark, red fresh & slightly withering flowers, beautiful acidity, it is nicely toned, good structure/tension with a well balanced, elegant & polish finish for days that lasts two-minutes and lands on dry earth & spice.

91-92.

Still has 5-10 yr of life ahead depending on your storage. — 14 days ago

KA

9.3

En magnum — 8 months ago

Mike Evans

9.0

A little natty funk, it didn’t really resonate with me. — 2 years ago

Bisher Akil

9.0

Lovely. Unexpectedly — 5 years ago

Sean Grullon

9.3

Nice FLX Riesling with a bit of funk. Peaches and pears, with some skin contact adding body. A bit of oxidation lends a sherry-like character to it. — 6 years ago

Abby Echiverri

8.9

I made shrimp risotto. this has been in my regular rotation. — 6 years ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of several hours. The 1998 pours a deep garnet/purple with an opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and some sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with positively charming notes of plum, brambles, grilled Poblano pepper, pipe tobacco, dried mixed flowers, a mix of organic and inorganic earth, fine wood and baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and savory. This is about as traditional as it gets and was simply brilliant tonight. Squarely in the zone. Drink now through 2038+. — 2 months ago

JKT

9.0

Holding up very nicely since last time in 2021. Last one I think — 6 months ago

Standley

9.7

Love this style — 8 months ago

John Howard

Harvest production at Hirsch and Cobb Wineries

9.1

Consistently great. — 4 years ago

MaJ CappS

9.2

Slightly funky fermented flower nose -

A thick and juicy wine - easy to get into - hefty, with black cherry, dark berry blend, pinch of anise, pepper. Cherry skin tannins, with a zesty acidic overture.
An excellent wine! — 5 years ago

Kevin Brown

9.0

Delicious — 6 years ago

Karen Tripson

9.2

Excellent. Buy a case again — 7 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

I am seldom dumbfounded when it comes to wine. So, I appreciate it when that happens.

This 1990 La Grande Dame was amazing and so fresh. Full disclosure, I am not normally impressed by this producer and this cuvée. Unusual for a champagne of 35 yrs to be so fresh in my experience from inception. So much so, if poured blind many would call it N/V or a fairly recent vintage. The color was even palish straw. Mags were brought from their Champagne House.

Excellent with the dessert of the evening, “Lemon Meringue Pie Cookie.”

Enjoyed at the 2026 “From Cellar Event” Pebble Beach Food and Wine.

Creator is Sumaiya Bangee.
NEW YORK, NY
All in Hospitality and Thulathan
@_sumaiya_bangee_ — 3 months ago

Brian Lenich

9.3

Amy and Brian steak sandwich dinner — 8 months ago

Gene Chow

9.0

Nice acidity. Subtle fruit. — a year ago

Justin Manni

9.0

Close to zero infinito but dryer — 4 years ago

Courteny Morehouse

9.0

Real solid Rhone. Let it breath a day but not more than two. — 5 years ago

Bailey Williamson-Ward

9.0

Great carbonation and perfect level of tartness. — 6 years ago

with George

Henry Fuseler

9.0

1/2020. A big one from Saint-Emilion. Very nice on the palate with a nice lingering finish. — 7 years ago