95 pts - Wine Advocate
["This was a very strong year for the Medoc, as opposed to Graves and the Right Bank. The vintage has a very irregular reputation, but not so much for the Cabernet Sauvignon grape in the Medoc. Harvest occurred September 23 and finished October 6, a relatively short period, even at a large estate such as Montrose. The wine has sweeter tannins than the 1995, but doesn’t have quite the ripeness noticeable in 2003, 2005, 2009 and 2010. This wine is the classic, or more traditional style of Montrose, with dusty loamy soil notes intermixed with blackcurrant and blackberry fruit. Licorice, underbrush and floral notes were all present in this wine, which has good acidity and is not far from entering its plateau of full maturity. This was a year where Montrose used a lot of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend – 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. - WA, RP (8/2014)"]
95 pts - Wine Spectator
["A classic St.-Estèphe with all the exotic character you expect from this appellation, along with a harmony, finesse and subtlety not seen in many '96s. Absolutely wonderful aromas of blackberries, anise seed, minerals and spices. Full-bodied, with layers of well-integrated, polished tannins and an intense spicy, fruity aftertaste. One of the best of the modern-day wines from Montrose. Best after 2004. 17,600 cases made. –JS WS"]
94 pts - Vinous
["94"]