Savour the complexity of the Meyney 1981, a riveting vintage from the storied Chateau Meyney of Bordeaux's Saint Estèphe region. As a distinguished Bordeaux Superieur, this wine exudes the meticulosity of the winemaking process. The vineyard, established in the 17th century, boasts a remarkable location next to the river Gironde, leading to a unique terroir that damasks itself into layers of flavour.

The Meyney 1981 reveals its age through pronounced tannins and a striking boldness on the palate. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, the wine offers a nod to tradition while expressing individuality. Expect notes of ripe fruit, truffle, and tobacco, elegantly underpinned by a subtle touch of oak from 18 months in French barrels.

An embodiment of Chateau Meyney's commitment to excellence, the Meyney 1981 remains a testament to the enduring appeal of fine Bordeaux wines.

Wine Advocate (85)

A soft, easy-going, ripe, dried herb and red currant-scented wine, this 1996 is surprisingly open and evolved. It is made in a mainstream, consumer-friendly style that will have wide appeal, although it is neither concentrated nor complex. Drink it over the next decade.

Wine Enthusiast (89)

Typical of Saint-Estèphe, this wine is totally closed up. It is more tannins than fruit at this stage of its development. But it is obvious that there is fruit there, and that it will develop. But for now, it's a case of watch this space.

Jancis Robinson (18.50)

Tasted blind. Very dark crimson. Rich array of aromas on the nose. Ambitious with lots of stuff covering a pretty massive charge of tannins. Just slightly inky. Exciting finish. Very persistent. Classic build with lots of ambition. Everyone thought this was Montrose! VGV

Jancis Robinson (18.5)

Tasted blind. Very dark crimson. Intense Indian ink on the nose. Give me my calligraphy pen! Rich and round. Very glamorous. So much effort has gone into every drop of this …. VGV

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)

The 2017 Meyney has turned out beautifully. Dark, pliant and generous in feel, the 2017 possesses striking depth and polish to match its mid-weight personality. Dried cherry, mint, dried flowers, licorice, cedar and tobacco infuse the 2017 with lovely layers of aromatic nuance and complexity. All the elements meld together nicely. Just as it was en primeur, the 2017 is relatively understated for Meyney, but that is not a bad thing at all. Meyney appears to be moving in a very positive direction over the last few years, and that is, of course, great to see.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)

The 2017 Meyney has turned out beautifully. Dark, pliant and generous in feel, the 2017 possesses striking depth and polish to match its mid-weight personality. Dried cherry, mint, dried flowers, licorice, cedar and tobacco infuse the 2017 with lovely layers of aromatic nuance and complexity. All the elements meld together nicely. Just as it was en primeur, the 2017 is relatively understated for Meyney, but that is not a bad thing at all. Meyney appears to be moving in a very positive direction over the last few years, and that is, of course, great to see.

James Suckling (95-96)

A very dense yet tight and focused red with blackcurrants, blackberries and hints of spices and walnuts. Full-bodied, very compact and long. Intense finish.

James Suckling (95-96)

A very dense yet tight and focused red with blackcurrants, blackberries and hints of spices and walnuts. Full-bodied, very compact and long. Intense finish.

Jeb Dunnuck (92-94)

This estate has been on a roll of late, and the 2019 Château Meyney is a terrific wine. Beautiful notes of crème de cassis, spicy oak, dried flowers, and dried tobacco all emerge from the glass, and this beauty is medium to full-bodied, with a seamless texture, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. Count me impressed. Not a powerhouse, it should drink nicely right out of the gate yet also evolve for 20 years or more.

Jeb Dunnuck (92-94)

This estate has been on a roll of late, and the 2019 Château Meyney is a terrific wine. Beautiful notes of crème de cassis, spicy oak, dried flowers, and dried tobacco all emerge from the glass, and this beauty is medium to full-bodied, with a seamless texture, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. Count me impressed. Not a powerhouse, it should drink nicely right out of the gate yet also evolve for 20 years or more.

Jeb Dunnuck (92-94)

This estate has been on a roll of late, and the 2019 Château Meyney is a terrific wine. Beautiful notes of crème de cassis, spicy oak, dried flowers, and dried tobacco all emerge from the glass, and this beauty is medium to full-bodied, with a seamless texture, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. Count me impressed. Not a powerhouse, it should drink nicely right out of the gate yet also evolve for 20 years or more.

Jancis Robinson (17.5)

Full bottle 1,350 g. Cask sample taken 26 April. 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 13% Petit Verdot. Merlot was picked 16 to 24 September, Petit Verdot was picked 23 September, Cabernet Sauvignon was picked 24 September to 1 October. Cold soak and some malo took place in new barrels. Matured in barriques (35% new). Dark, lustrous crimson. Really very glamorous indeed. Ripe but fresh nose with an interesting balsam note. Smooth as satin initially on the palate with the savoury tannins (actually there in abundance) just nudging onto the palate at the end, which is dry but not drying. Very long and rather splendid on the finish with St-Estèphe’s stoniness evident. Very smart indeed with no concessions to simple sweetness.

Jancis Robinson (17.5)

Full bottle 1,350 g. Cask sample taken 26 April. 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 13% Petit Verdot. Merlot was picked 16 to 24 September, Petit Verdot was picked 23 September, Cabernet Sauvignon was picked 24 September to 1 October. Cold soak and some malo took place in new barrels. Matured in barriques (35% new). Dark, lustrous crimson. Really very glamorous indeed. Ripe but fresh nose with an interesting balsam note. Smooth as satin initially on the palate with the savoury tannins (actually there in abundance) just nudging onto the palate at the end, which is dry but not drying. Very long and rather splendid on the finish with St-Estèphe’s stoniness evident. Very smart indeed with no concessions to simple sweetness.

Jancis Robinson (17.5)

Full bottle 1,350 g. Cask sample taken 26 April. 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 13% Petit Verdot. Merlot was picked 16 to 24 September, Petit Verdot was picked 23 September, Cabernet Sauvignon was picked 24 September to 1 October. Cold soak and some malo took place in new barrels. Matured in barriques (35% new). Dark, lustrous crimson. Really very glamorous indeed. Ripe but fresh nose with an interesting balsam note. Smooth as satin initially on the palate with the savoury tannins (actually there in abundance) just nudging onto the palate at the end, which is dry but not drying. Very long and rather splendid on the finish with St-Estèphe’s stoniness evident. Very smart indeed with no concessions to simple sweetness.

Jancis Robinson (17)

Cask sample. Excellent depth of flavour and ripeness. Sappy with no skinniness. Really no sign that this was a difficult vintage. Complete. Fresh with ripe tannins dominated by vibrant, ripe fruit. It even has some impressive persistence. It’s not super-ripe but is certainly ripe enough.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (95)

A vineryard that should perform strongly in this kind of vintage, because located right next to the river for air conditioning, with a mix of gravel with clear clay sections to retain freshness, and it's definitely one to look out for. Layers of redcurrant, raspberry and blackcurrant fruits, juicy mouthwatering finish, peony, pencil lead, orange peel, 3.75ph. Certainly this is a great example of Meyney. Hubert de BoŸard consultant. A buy.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (94)

Often a benchmark wine for me in a vintage, and it is a good sign for the Left Bank in 2023 that Meyney is tasting great. A punch of inky plum and blackberry fruit, good lift and freshness, plenty of tannic grip, an excellent wine. A buy. CA Grands Crus owners.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (94)

Often a benchmark wine for me in a vintage, and it is a good sign for the Left Bank in 2023 that Meyney is tasting great. A punch of inky plum and blackberry fruit, good lift and freshness, plenty of tannic grip, an excellent wine. A buy. CA Grands Crus owners.

Wine Advocate (97)

Tasted at the Montrose vertical in Stamford and again at the vertical in London a few weeks later, I wondered whether the 1964 Montrose would repeat its spectacular showing at the tasting back in 2004. The answer is yes. Picked between 18 September and 1 October, unlike many Left Bank estates, Montrose managed to avoid the mid-October rains that ruined the Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a stunning bouquet, Burgundian in style, laden with far more fruité than the 1961, 1966 and 1970. Beautifully defined, there are plenty of pretty red berry fruit here laced with candied orange peel. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, clearly a feminine Montrose, though that does not preclude it from delivering plenty of weight and fruit intensity. There is a touch of chlorine towards the finish, but otherwise this exquisite Saint Estèphe will continue to give great pleasure for many years. Do not ignore this wonderful Montrose if you ever see it. Tasted June 2016.

Wine Advocate (89)

Tasted from double magnum at the Stamford vertical tasting, the 1981 Montrose should be considered one of the go-to wines of this off-vintage. Perhaps the larger format played a part, nevertheless I warmed to the fresh and lively aromatics: black fruit, Hoi Sin, some blueberry and fresh mint developing with time in the glass. In fact, had I tasted this blind I would have averred it was the 1982! The palate is very well balanced with a fresh line of acidity, lively black fruit tinged with iodine and cedar. Whilst not persistent in the mouth, there is respectable weight and you soon find yourself reaching for that rapidly emptying wine glass for another sip. Could this be the one Bordeaux growth where the 1981 outpaces the succeeding vintage? Tasted May 2016.

Wine Advocate (78)

Tasted at the château, the 1983 Montrose, picked between 27 September and 13 October, was quite deep at the core but showing some bricking on the rim. The nose feels fatigued and leathery, an ephemeral bouquet that could blow away in the lightest wind. The palate is light-bodied, angular and hollow, a large hole where the fruit ought to be and then it tapers to a severe, raw and slightly vegetal finish. Robert Parker lambasted the 1983, which given the reputation of the property and the fact that it was not a terrible growing season like the following year, should have been much much better. This is outshone by the 1984—enough said. Tasted September 2016.

James Suckling (93)

Very fresh still with a licorice and floral character that turned to sweet tobacco and plums. Full and silky, with ripe and fine tannins. Wonderful to drink now.

The Wine Independent (100)

The 1989 Montrose, from a very warm, dry year, is made from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-brick in color (holding its color amazingly!) it sky-rockets from the glass with flamboyant notes of black cherry compote, blueberry pie, and blackcurrant jelly, followed by notes of star anise, peonies, crushed rocks, and tar, plus exotic hints of cardamom and cumin seed. The medium to full-bodied palate is rich, opulent, and well structured, delivering firm, grainy tannins and just enough freshness to support the generous, wonderfully pure fruit, finishing long and earthy. This is textbook Montrose.

Wine Advocate (100)

Tasted at the Montrose vertical in London, the 1990 Montrose is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc (almost identical to the 1989 Montrose) and picked between 14 September and 3 October. It has a formidable reputation and for years it overshadowed the 1989. That said, it is well known that there are incidences of brettanomyces that compromise some bottles and the one bottle in London showed just a tincture of this. It still merited a score of 97/100, though it only served to highlight the ethereal delineation of the 1989. Then literally a couple of days later. I was served blind a magnum of the 1990 Montrose in Cape Town, which had been purchased on release and stored in perfect conditions. Now, here was the real deal, unfettered by any infection, a regal Saint Estèphe. It shows approximately the same evolution as the 1989 in bottle, but unsurprisingly showed less bricking in magnum format. The bouquet is cut from a different cloth to the 1989 and attests to that warm vintage: hickory, clove, undergrowth and wild fennel, later garrigue-like scents and terracotta, the latter two more pronounced on the bottle format compared to the youthful magnum. The palate is full-bodied and powerful, yet the balance is perfect, a ballerina-like poise with the structure of the Forth Bridge. It is a multi-layered Montrose that offers enormous length, fresh and vibrant with the magnum demonstrating tangible mineralite and tension as it fans out on the crescendo of a finish—a fanfare for Saint Estèphe in all its glory. Improving all the time in the glass, this example of 1990 Montrose is a privilege to behold. One can speculate whether larger formats are a safer bet in terms of experiencing this behemoth without any brettanomyces. Perhaps. However, if you do come across the 1990 Montrose like this, you are in the presence of a king. Tasted January 2017.

Wine Advocate (92)

Tasted at the vertical in London, I had never really warmed to the 1995 Montrose despite tasting its many times. However, this bottle seemed closed to Robert Parker's remarks from 2014. It is a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot that was harvested from 13 to 26 September. The bouquet is less vigorous and more approachable than the 1996 Montrose, initially quite taciturn, but gaining vigor with time and offering blackberry, briary and undergrowth scents, later just a touch of bay leaf and sandalwood. The palate is driven by the higher Merlot content, rendering this a relatively plush and comely Saint Estèphe, well balanced with very good depth, perhaps a Montrose for those with a penchant for headier and opulent styles of wine. Whilst the 1996 has the class and sophistication, the greatest virtue of the 1995 is the most fundamental: enjoyment. Tasted June 2016.

Wine Advocate (96)

Tasted at the vertical in London, I have instead used the tasting note from a bottle opened at the property when I visited just a couple of weeks later. The 1996 Montrose is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot picked between 23 September and 6 October. It was served alongside the 1986 Montrose, however, this is a far better wine and reconfirms Robert Parker's remarks at his own vertical at the property in 2014. For me, it is that loamy character that defines the nose—freshly tilled, damp soil that tinctures the black fruit —that takes you straight to this particular château. This is classic through and through and very well defined. The palate is wonderful with very fine delineation, pitch-perfect acidity, touches of graphite infusing the red and black fruit that dovetails into a very pretty, floral finish. This is clearly one of the great wines of the 1996 vintage and I would be stocking up as much as I could, because it will give 30-40 years of pleasure. Tasted July 2016.