| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > St Estèphe |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
This great second growth vineyard is majestically situated overlooking the Gironde in the southern section of St Estèphe. Re-invigorated by the Bouygues family, Montrose is a property on top form. Large amounts of money have been spent on stunning new facilities. Outstanding wines were produced here in 2009, 2010, 2016 and 2018 as well as a potential wine of the vintage in 2014. However the 2019, 2020 and 2022 vintages could be even greater. This is the place for first growth quality wines without the first growth price tag.
In 2025 the wine comes only from the vines on "Terrace 4" - the heart of the Montrose vineyard - with a cépage of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc. A new wine called "Terrace 3" will be made (not sold en primeur) and this will be priced between Montrose and Dame de Montrose. Only 49% of the production will be Montrose this year. Terrace 3 is 10%, Dame 32%, the rest Tercio (for family consumption only since 2020). ABV 13.40%. Ageing in 60% new oak. Yield 30 hl/ha.
A timeless classic in the making, the 2025 Montrose unfurls in the glass with notes of dark berries, black truffle, burning embers and violets, gaining in range and detail with aeration. Full-bodied, dense and elegantly muscular, it's layered and multidimensional, with a prodigiously concentrated core of fruit, exceptional quality of tannin and a long, resonant finish. The 2025 is a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc, derived exclusively from the estate's historic core on the fourth terrace situated just in front of the château itself. With a pH of 3.65 and 13.4% alcohol, it remains classically balanced despite its impressive power and intensity. Readers will have a fascinating time parsing the nuances of style and quality between the 2025, 2023 and 2022 over the decades to come!
The 2025 Montrose only comes from the Terrace IV, as has been the way since the 2023 vintage. It was picked from August 29 and finished not until September 20, so quite a long harvest, 16 days of picking between those dates. This vintage is matured in 60% new oak. This has another very intense nose with a potent graphite element that infuses the black fruit, beautifully defined but unapologetically classical in style. Wow. The purity of fruit is exceptional. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, very chiselled tannins, exquisite black fruit loaded with minéralité. So much freshness and vibrancy, gentle but insistent grip, very precise and refined on the finish, this is a Montrose that will rank as one for the ages. Wow (again). Drinking Window: 2032 - 2060.
It will be no surprise to read that Montrose is once again the standout wine of St Estephe and Bordeaux as a whole. Saturated in colour with a great nose, there is a focused graphite and blackcurrant interplay that feels al dente, just ripe with a wrap of carefully judged, softening wood spice. The palate is lightly inky in its fruit but very vibrant thanks to a line of fine acidity. The tannins are unsurprisingly firm and mouthcoating, but ripe and in balance with the intensity of fruit. Pencil shavings, cedar and clove come through, matching the explosive black fruit and iron grip of structure. A serious, muscular wine with a very long finish, this is another profound Montrose.
Integrated and creamy tannins that are long and polished deliver an impressive palate of medium body, juicy fruit and a refined finish. Character of black and red currants with hazelnuts. Refined. Extremely long and polished, with plenty of Montrose character. Balanced. All there for the vintage. A blend of 77% cabernet sauvignon, 19% merlot and 4% cabernet franc.
Deep and nuanced plum fruit on the opening, vivid ruby in colour with tension, lift and estate signature. An extremely classic Montrose, love the lift with the depth of cassis, cocoa bean, liquorice, crushed mint leaf, squid ink, crayon, a supremely Left Bank wine, very much in the 2023 vein for me, which was a vintage I adored. This has precision and beauty, the kind of En Primeur sample where you feel fresh and energised at the end of tasting it. 60% new oak for ageing, Pierre Graffeuille director. 2035-2055.
The 2025 Montrose is a very quiet, sophisticated Montrose. Silky tannins, lifted aromatics and mid-weight structure are the signatures. Time in the glass brings out lovely red-toned fruit character, along with hints of spice, blood orange, cedar and sweet pipe tobacco. It will be interesting to see how the 2025 develops with élevage. Today, it is a bit on the lighter side relative to the norm here. Some of that may be attributable to winemaking. 2035 - 2065
