92 points -John Gilman

"The 1978 vintage is almost never mentioned when one speaks of the top vintages of Montrose from the decade of the 1970s, but I have been consistently impressed by this lovely wine. The deep, elegant and à point nose offers up a classic mélange of cassis, gravel, cigar ash, a touch of brick dust, fresh herb tones, hints of cinnamon and a fine framing of cedar. On the palate the wine is deep, fullish and complex, with a beautifully reserved profile that speaks profoundly of old school claret sensibilities. The wine shows off good mid-palate depth, bright acids, melting tannins and lovely length and grip on the focused and classy finish. A sleeper vintage of Montrose that is at its apogee, but shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. "