Montrose 2006 (75 CL)

Tasted at the château, the 2006 Montrose has mostly been very inconsistent and frankly disappointing for such a consistent estate. Apart from one bottle, I have been unimpressed and there could well be a reason, given that it was a "dropped catch" between the change in ownership. It is a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot, picked between 18 September and 3 October. It was the first vintage where green harvesting was conducted all over the estate and yields were 41 hectoliters per hectare. Frankly, this has long been a disappointing Montrose for me and this bottle did nothing to alter that view. The nose just lacks fruité and energy, not as green as I have encountered with other bottles, but just missing personality and intensity. The palate is medium-bodied and chewy in the mouth. Where is the precision and the tension? It just feels static and for want of a better word, rather dull on the finish. Sorry, this 2006 has never done it for me. Tasted September 2016. (NL, 3/2017)