On the quest to find wines that are drinkable young, and of course easier on the wallet.

While this is the second wine of Chateau Montrose, this (at least for this vintage) is nothing like the Grand Vin. 49% merlot, 43% cabernet sauvignon, 4% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot

In the glass: this is a rich bright ruby with dark cherry core, medium body. Didn’t have the dark inky concentration of the grand vin.

On the nose: fresh of the bottle, sweet glycerin. Closed. Thin. None of the cedar, leather, and blueberry of the grand vin. In fact, the surprisingly thing that was it immediately reminded me of a chianti Classico I had recently, which was surprising. I basically couldn’t tell it was a Bordeaux blend. Hm.

With time and getting to room temp, the nose got increasingly sweeter, and its bright vibrant red fruits (almost exclusively cherries) intensified. I still would never have guessed a Bordeaux blend.

On the palate: dry, with tiniest touch of residual sugar, mid+ acidity, sweet aromatics on exhale. Tannins are mild and palatable. Just a pleasurable drink.

What a charming and confusing little thing. Even now, I still couldn’t identify this blend from tasting. Also surprised at just how primary fruit-driven and bright this was, especially when compared to the dark broody grand vin. Then again, reviews seem to suggest that the 2017 is extremely uncharacteristic of typical vintages which are richer and fleshier. Oh well!