Montrose 1986

This wine has turned out to be better than I originally thought. Made during a period when Montrose was flirting with a lighter style, the 1986 is one of the beefier efforts from that short-lived, stylistic detour. The wine reveals a dense ruby/purple color with only a hint of lightening at the edge. Fleshy, muscular, and powerful, with aromas of red and black fruits, earth, and spice, this medium to full-bodied, still tannic, brawny Montrose is not yet close to full maturity. It possesses a layered, chewy character, along with plenty of unresolved tannin in the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2025. Last tasted 10/97

First tasted in December 2001 at my first Offline at Chez Max. Nose still tight: herbal and minerally. Firm tannins. Lacks the flesh I would expect. Pencil-lead. Lacks some complexity although it may reveal more in 5 years but maybe not enough ripeness?