Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux | 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot | 98 LPB - 96+ WA 

Don't let the "off-vintage" tag fool you - this 2014 Montrose is a Super Second firing on all cylinders. It bursts from the glass with a stunning perfume of crushed blackcurrants, kirsch, and that classic Montrose iron-filing minerality, all wrapped up with hints of clove and pencil shavings. The magic here is in the balance - a muscular core of Saint-Estèphe fruit is cut by a vibrant, juicy line of acidity, making it surprisingly approachable now (give it a good hour in a decanter). 

Critics are united in their praise - Lisa Perrotti-Brown (98pts) calls it "truly impressive," while William Kelley clearly ranks this as "one of the wines of the vintage". This is the kind of bottle that reminds you why Montrose is at the top of the game. Superb.