TN: 2010 La Dame de Montrose - An Outstanding Second Label

I don’t really buy or chase second labels, there are so many other well priced Bordeaux that are superior to many seconds even from the top Chateaux. That said, there are a few that seem to excel, La Dame de Montrose being one of them. I bought a six pack of the 2010 on release, but I have no recollection of having tried one from that vintage. I randomly pulled one from storage a couple of months ago, and after the poor showing yesterday from a fellow St. Estephe in the 2016 Meyney, figured I would give that esteemed appellation a chance of redemption this week.

Since I had just returned from cycling, and was quite thirsty, this was a total pop and pour. I was really quite surprised how aromatic it was on splash decant. Pretty powerful notes of dark cassis, old number two pencil, some pungent florals and Havana tobacco. The palate is a beauty. This is robust Cabernet fruit in display, I read it’s about 65% of the cepage. And it shows. Big, dark, bold and chewy, but it also has a layer of darker red fruits and crisp acidic structure to add to the overall Cabernet and tannic trappings. Chalky tannins with just a hint of dryness that is probably my only nitpick. I also think this wine needs another 3-5 years.

(92 pts.)

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Completely agree. The 2010 La Dame is one of the best vintages of a second label that I’ve had. For my tastes, La Dame is only behind La Gravette de Certan as far as second labels are concerned.

Yup. And no surprise, that’s the other second label that I love!

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For my preference I would wait 10 years.

For the money, La Dame is my favorite second.

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The Alter Ego of Palmer was another success in 2010

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The same could be said of Montrose itself. Favorite second. Making La Dame the favorite second’s second.

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Glad you enjoyed your bottle. My local shop had a few '08 left and i recently picked one up, since I had never tried it. My bottle was bland and mostly tasteless, maybe i should seek out a 2010!

Hey, that is disappointing as the 2008 Montrose is excellent

Oh momma, so much better this second night as it fleshed out. Big wafts of classic bell pepper. Palate a bit more transparent and revealing a nice vein of red fruits. And a kiss of Brett. Hot damn! Reminiscent of Montrose from the 1980s! Can you say, “haaaaaay…”

(94 pts.)

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I have a couple of magnums that I’m saving for my 75th birthday (or something like that).

Anyone tried the 19?

2019 La Dame de Montrose - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe (2/3/2023)
– double decanted approx. 1.25 hrs. before tasting –
– tasted blind over approx. 20 min. –

This started-off fairly simple, purple-fruited, and oaky. Gained some complexity and earthy tones in the glass. Really needs some time in the cellar to turn into something interesting, and I have no doubt it will get there. HOLD.

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I’ve had a couple bottles of the '19 and agree with Brian’s assessment above. Certainly drinks pleasantly enough now but seems to need a decent amount of time to get somewhere good.

On the other hand, had a bottle of the '09 Dame the other night that didn’t really live up to my expectations. I was expecting the tertiary notes and savouriness that the '10 provided in the OP and I didn’t get much of that at all.

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