Château Monbrison 2020

Subtle, seductive maturation notes of cocoa, red berries, and spices; of exemplary delicacy even this year, full-bodied, with polished tannins and a long, fruity finish; even better than en primeur and ready to enjoy fairly early, though it can age.

Powerful tannins, these really do take a bite out of you. Clear bilberry and blackberry, a juicy hawthorn hedgerow edge and some toasted oak. Attractive grip and lift, even with the austerity, and this will soften further over ageing. Tasted twice.

Tasted blind. Deep crimson. Subdued and rather flat/dry on the palate. Lean and strangely salty on the finish, dry aftertaste. Can’t really give drink dates here. (JH)

Fresh plums, spice, smoke and a touch of espresso come together to form the core of this wine. Medium-bodied, soft, silky and fresh, with a supple, creamy, refined red-berry finish. This is the finest example of Monbrison I've tasted in ages. 89-91 Pts

Kunz barrel sample 2021: silky, fragrant bouquet, red and blue berries, subtle ivy, pepper. Balanced, medium-bodied palate, not yet harmonious, with delicate fruit, good tannins, light aromatics, bitter finish. Has room to improve.

Silky, fragrant bouquet, red and blue berries, subtle ivy, pepper. Balanced, medium-bodied palate, not yet fully harmonious, with fine fruit, good tannins, light aromatics, and a bitter finish. Has room to improve. 16/20 2025 - 2037

Plump fruits, attractive freshness and balance; this is good quality, a little reserved but with iris and peony notes that reflect the spirit of Margaux, along with savoury blueberry and redcurrant fruit, soft waves of tobacco, enjoyable, and one of the better vintages of Monbrison in my eyes, one to look out for. Laurent Vonderheyden, owner of this 13ha estate.

The 2020 Monbrison has a deep garnet-purple color. It tumbles from the glass with notions of warm cassis, blackberry pie, and kirsch, plus hints of baking spices, forest floor, and unsmoked cigars. The medium-bodied palate is plush and bright, with mouth-filling red and black berry flavors and a spicy lift on the finish.

Beautiful dark color. Intense nose with ripe fruit. Fruity palate with a slightly rough texture on the finish. Medium body and length.

The nose suggests milky notes and a sun-kissed character. The attack is lively and precise, with delicate tannins still tightened by the élevage. Toasty notes mingle with aromas of fresh blackcurrant. The finish still needs time to come together.

91–93. Barrel Sample. Already the fruits are showing a ripe, jammy character. With its open feel, even this young, it is likely to develop relatively quickly into an attractively fruity wine.