| 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. Recently purchased and re-invigorated by the Bouygues family, Montrose is on top form. Hervé Berland, formerly of Mouton Rothschild, is now in charge here and 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.
The remarkable 2021 Montrose gets my nomination for the title of "wine of the vintage" in the Médoc. Wafting from the glass with a deep bouquet of cassis and dark berries mingled with subtle hints of mint, orange, pencil shavings and spices, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with a layered and multidimensional core of fruit underpinned by beautifully ripe, refined tannins. Concluding with a long, resonant finish, it entirely transcends the limitations of the year. This young classic, reminiscent of the estate's 1996 but far better, is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. Drink 2031-2065.
With no frost at Montrose, the yield was a fairly normal 38 hl/ha. Selection was then 40% grand vin, 39% Dame de Montrose and the rest third wine. They feel that this is a classically styled Montrose produced in conditions similar to 2014. 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. Deep purple colour. Dark fruit on the nose, but there is an air of freshness too, a light gunsmoke and fennel seed tone to lift the cassis. The palate shows a clear Cabernet character, tight and focused with bright acidity and chewy, grippy tannins. Muscular but not heavy, this is a finely tuned Montrose with a cool ripeness and persistent, chalky texture. Chiselled to a long finish, this will need time to unfurl as Montrose always does, but it may well reach its peak before the 18, 19 or 20.
A very classy and refined Montrose with excellent length and a compact, medium-bodied palate, showing fine, silky tannins and a fresh, bright finish. Lots of currant, blackberry and tar at the end, as well as some graphite. 62% cabernet sauvignon, 31% merlot, 6% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot.
A blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, the 2021 Montrose is deep purple-black colored. It charges out of the gate with bold notes of crushed blackcurrants and fresh boysenberries, plus suggestions of pencil shavings, underbrush, and cast-iron pan, with a waft of potpourri. Light to medium-bodied, the palate delivers impressive tension and energy, baked up by fine-grained tannins and nuances of black fruits, finishing on a lingering ferrous note.
2026-2046
This has depth on the palate, inky purple with grilled almond, fennel, cassis, blackberry, bilblerry, waves of fruit set against strong, austere tannins that give excellent structure but not a lot of generosity. This is a serious, signature Montrose that is not an early drinker. Juicy on the finish, one to recommend. 55% new oak. Pierre Grafeuille has come on board as director since March 1, and will be taking over fully from Hervé Berland as of October 1.
53% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc. 12% press wine. Cask sample.
Dark and minerally through and through. Good fruit concentration. Hint of barrel but integrated. Velvety attack, the tannins dense but finely framed. Long, cool finish. Evident potential for ageing. (JL)
Drink 2030 – 2050
A brilliant achievement, the 2021 Montrose is reminiscent of a purer, more precise, modern-day version of the estate's 1996. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of blackcurrants, pencil shavings, sweet loamy soil, black truffle and nicely integrated new oak, it's full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with terrific depth at the core, lively acids and a seamless, harmonious profile. Exhibiting beautifully refined tannins and an impressive sense of completeness, it's a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot—standing out as one of the few top wines of the vintage that actually includes more Merlot and less Cabernet than in recent years.
