| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > St Estèphe |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
Somewhat lost in the shadow of the 2010 and 2009 duo, the 2011 Montrose is a somewhat firm, old-school wine, but it has plenty of depth and character and represents a good value for readers prepared to be patient. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of cassis, sweet berries, plums and licorice complemented by hints of loamy soil, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and muscular, with good depth at the core and a long, structured finish.
The dark ruby/purple-colored, slightly austere and angular 2011 Montrose possesses a more masculine style with firm tannin, medium body, and cassis, black currant and earth notes. The wine tails off slightly on the palate leaving an acidic, tangy character. It will benefit from several more years of cellaring, and should last for 15+ years thereafter.
The 2011 Montrose has a well-defined bouquet with blackberry, bilberry, cedar and light tobacco scents. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, grainy tannins. Yes, a little green around the edges, but there is satisfying freshness on the finish, and it has a lilting quality. I have to say, after the brilliant Montrose in the previous vintage, this is a bit of a let down. Tasted blind at the annual 10-Year-On tasting. 2022 - 2030
This is a tannic, chewy Montrose with lots of spice, berry and earth character. Full body, chewy and fruity. Intense tannins. Try in 2018 when the tannins soften.
This great second growth vineyard is majestically situated overlooking the estuary in the Southern section of St Estephe. Recently purchased and re-invigorated, Montrose is now on top form. A low yield of 35hl/ha this year and most of the Merlot was relegated to the second label. The final blend is 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. A deep colour and quite closed on the nose. Dark and brooding. A very solid and serious wine with dense, black fruit. A classic example of Montrose, inky, firm and tightly structured. There is certainly plenty of depth here. A black and powerful wine.
The nose is deep and brooding packed with rich black fruits. There is a good weight of fruit on the palate lots of black cherry and sloe backed by slightly sweeter damson. The layers of fruit give complexity the tannins structure and there is the feeling of balance
In difficult years, a combination of a great terroir and talented winemaking often comes to the fore, and that's what happened at Montrose in 2011. Rose petal, tar and liquorice on the nose, leading you into a wine that is bold and powerful, yet beautifully balanced, with layer upon layer of graphite, dark plums, toasty oak and sweet blackcurrant fruit. One of the wines of the vintage, this is a triumph over adversity. 20+ years.
Lovely restrained fragrance of Cabernet fruit with an iron backbone, classic depth and firmness of a great Montrose. Drink 2018-2040.
A strong effort, the 2011 Montrose exhibits a dense ruby/purple color in addition to abundant black currant and boysenberry fruit notes intermixed with white chocolate, damp earth, truffle and camphor. Medium to full-bodied with sweet tannin and impressive concentration, this blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot hit nearly 13% natural alcohol (relatively high in Bordeaux, but lower than the 13.2% in 2009 and 13.8% in 2010). The 2011 should drink well for 15 or more years.
The harvest at Montrose was held between September 2-27, and only a tiny parcel in the southern sector of the vineyard was touched by the hail storm that swept through the Pauillac / St.-Estephe border on September 1.
A blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot cropped between 2nd and 27th September at 35hl/ha, the 2011 Montrose has a lighter nose than the 2010 when tasted last year, but that is to be expected. My sample in March exhibited scents of blackberry, dark chocolate and pencil lead whilst returning to the property two weeks later, there is an animally element to the aromatics, even hints of clove. The palate is medium-bodied with dusty tannins on the entry, though they appear a rounder two weeks later. It is struck through by its crisp acidity and yet it remains an introspective, masculine Montrose with an unreserved graphite, tertiary finish. In 2011, I find this Montrose to be well crafted and yet somehow, difficult to love. Tasted April 2012.
Elegant and racy wine with blueberry, blackberry and mineral aromas. Full to medium body, with fine tannins. Pretty length. Like the 2008, but with less acidity. 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot.
