Montrose 1995

An explosively rich, exotic, fruity Montrose, the 1995 displays even more fat and extract than the 1996. There is less Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1995 blend, resulting in a fuller-bodied, more accessible and friendlier style. The wine exhibits an opaque black/ruby/purple color, as well as a ripe nose of black fruits, vanillin, and licorice. Powerful yet surprisingly accessible (the tannin is velvety and the acidity low), this terrific example of Montrose should be drinkable at a young age. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2028.

Tasted several times, though never asserting itself as a great Montrose and paling against more recent vintages "A pretty wine, lacking some guts" said I in 2003. Tasted again just a week later at the Montrose vertical. Appears quite forward for a 1995. A gorgeous, warm autumnal nose with a touch of plum and raspberry. Palate is well balanced, well-knit with supple cedary red fruits. Quite fleshy with a leathery, tobacco finish. Lovely to drink now but perhaps this could have had more stuffing. Then at the Farr horizontal in September 2005. The nose is flat and lacking some vigor, all rather muffled. The medium-bodied palate lacks breeding in the company of other 1995's, leathery, meaty with a linear finish. This should be much better.