One of the best second wines, and possibly the best since the 1990 is the 2010 La Dame de Montrose. This represents 36% of the production and is a blend of two grapes: 64% Cabernet Sauvignon and 36% Merlot. A superb second wine, opulent and substantively textured, it shares more in common with a flamboyant, exuberant year such as 2009 than most 2010s. Dense purple, its oodles of fruit, luxurious mouthfeel and terrific finish make it a sleeper of the vintage.  (2/2013)

 Wonderful aromas of blueberries, spices and chocolate with a hazelnut undertone. Creamy texture. Full and very fine with lovely texture and spices and berries. Currants too. Long and gorgeous. Second wine of Montrose.  (2/2013)

 Montrose's second wine has something of the same gravity as the top wine from the estate. It shows firm tannins as well as black currant fruits. These flavors are followed by spice, leather and drying tannins. It does have a sense of elegance that promises well for its mid-term aging.  (3/2013)

 A vintage where you can explore second wines with great confidence. An excellent wine, with a real signature of its big brother, with dark brambly fruits and tight tannins, barely unfurling, it grips the side of your mouth, and needs a good hour or so in a carafe if you are going to drink it in the next few years. I tried the third wine from 2010 also, Le St-Estèphe de Montrose, and while it captures the intense spice of La Dame, it lacks its length and roundness. (JA)  (4/2015)