1950 Montrose

Tasted at the Montrose vertical in London, the 1950 Montrose put in a creditable performance, even if it was clearly surpassed by other vintages from the 1940s and 1950s. Deep and slightly turbid in color, it has a simple but effective bouquet with touches of cranberry and Earl Grey, nicely defined, if unashamedly rustic. The palate is masculine, structured and a little austere, a square-jawed Montrose with a slight chlorine tincture. It finishes short and dry, but to be honest, the few 1950 Left Bank wines I have tasted have been no better than this. Decent enough, but any bottles should be consumed in the near future. Tasted June 2016.