| 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 2024 the wine comes only from the vines of "terrace 4" - the heart of the Montrose vineyard, with a cépage of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 3% 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 a third of the production will be Montrose this year (Terrace 3 is 10%, Dame 40% the rest Tercio and bulk). ABV 13%.
A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc, the 2024 Montrose is a serious, muscular effort that numbers among the wines of the vintage. Unwinding in the glass with notes of cassis, burning embers, cigar wrapper and iris, it's medium to full-bodied, dense and layered, with a lively spine of acidity, rich structuring tannins and a long, penetrating finish. With both the highest proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon recorded at Montrose and a rather low pH of 3.55, it will surely number among the longest lived 2024 Bordeaux.
The 2024 Montrose has a little more Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend due to the yields in various parcels. It was picked between September 23 and October 7 and matured in 60% new oak. The well-defined and very able nose demonstrates classicism, fine delineation and a little more florality than the Terrasse III. The palate is medium-bodied with very finely chiselled tannins and a keen line of acidity. This symmetrical Saint-Estèphe is blessed with an elegant, sapid and reassuringly precise finish that the estate seems to have honed in the last few years. It does not have the unbridled ambition of, say, the 2020 Montrose, but it is exceptionally well crafted and will become a fine Saint-Estèphe. 2032 - 2058
Deep ruby-purple colour. An enticing, immediate nose of graphite, blackcurrant leaf and cedar. This is quintessentially Medocain and you can feel the precision and layers to this wine. Very focused, with real energy and vibracy. Not the oily profile or powerful structure of recent years, but this has beautiful delineation and translates the graphite-tinged fruit of this property beautifully. A harmonious, focused, vertical wine.
This shows finesse and elegance as well as plenty of subtle red currant and blackcurrant character. Medium-bodied with refinement and length. Tender, vivid and pure. Extremely well done in a difficult year. 80% cabernet sauvignon, 17% merlot and 3% cabernet franc.
Deep garnet-purple colored. Prances out with energetic notes of black raspberries, black currant jelly, and kirsch, leading to hints of wet slate, mossy tree bark, dried mint, and forest floor, with a touch of rose oil. The light to medium-bodied palate is like a tightly coiled string, revealing great tension and firm, fine-grained tannins to support, finishing very long and minerally. Nicely done!
This is the highest proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in Montrose ever at 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc.
Beautifully deep colour, this shows chalk, violet flowers, peony, fragrant and enticing floral profile compared to so many in the vintage, this is excellent, cocoa bean, cassis, depth, layers and concentration - one of the wines of the vintage. 15% press wine, a little more than usual. Harvest 23 September to 8 October, Pierre Grafeuille estate director.
The 2024 Montrose exudes Cabernet Sauvignon character in its aromatic savoriness and tannic structure. In fact, the 2024 has the most Cabernet Sauvignon ever. Tightly wound today, the 2024 impresses with its energy and focus. There's a bit less mid-palate and overall heft than most years, as well as a brighter fruit profile. Floral, spice and mineral overtones lend brightness throughout. The 2024 is a super-classic, nervy Montrose that will need a number of years to be at its most expressive. Aging is projected to be 18 months, with 60% new oak. 2034-2064.
