Le Dame de Montrose is the second wine of Château Montrose, made to the same rigorous standards as the Grand Vin and from grapes grown in the same vineyard. Supple and silky Merlot (76%) generally predominates in the varietal mix alongside Cabernet Sauvignon (24%). Its very pronounced red fruit aromas and flavours reflect another expression of the terroir in a distinctive style which is less elaborately complex than that of the first wine. Consistently reliable and reaching maturity sooner than the Grand Vin, the wine was created in 1983 in tribute to Yvonne Charmolue, who ran Château Montrose single-handedly from 1944 to 1960. Matured for 12 months in 30% new oak barrels, the nose opens on discreet, elegant and warm chocolate and mocha notes, developing fresher aromas of blackcurrant, ripe fruit and dill on airing, together with perfectly integrated oak. The palate is bright, supple and clean, the velvety, beautifully balanced tannic structure in full harmony with the toasted brioche and liquorice flavours. The fruit flavours remain on the relatively long and very fresh finish.