We think something has changed at Montrose after the departure of Jean Bernard Delmas. Its not a bad wine by any means but the style is modern and extracted. At ten years this ie very drinkable and great quality but does not speak to its terroir as it used to. Hope its just one year… — a month ago
2022 vintage. Even better than 7 months ago. The magic of the vintage is obvious here. Black and red fruits, flowers and a distinctive mineral note. Exemplary purity of fruit, fresh and refined,with the silkiest tannins ever for this estate. Long, mineral finish. A very impressive wine that sells for a song. Abv. 14%. — 6 days ago
Welcome to Pebble Beach Food & Wine 2025.
2012 in Bordeaux is a great memory as Sofia & I had a great 5 year anniversary trip to Italy where we were married, ending in Bordeaux. Picking Mouton Merlot for a day, lunch with the Baroness, having steak and sipping 82 Mouton. Pinch me is what I said to Sofia.
Saint Julien is the elegant region on the Left Bank. While 2012 was an ok to good vintage it will always be packed with great memories.
Branaire-Ducru in grand vintages is still a great value. Always elegant with this kind of bottle age and more.
Hour decant starting notes.
Tonight smooth, ripe, round, juicy; brambly blackberries/black raspberries, dark cherries, cherries, black plum, some strawberries, raspberries with blueberry tones. Dry tobacco with ash, leather, spice box with some heat, lightly grilled meats, volcanics, moist clay, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, light vanillin, mid berry cola, dark chocolate bar, forest floor with leaves, sandalwood, steeped black tea, bay leaf, dry thyme, mocha powder, dry caramel, crush, dry rock/limestone, dry river stone, bright red flowers mixed with dark withering flowers, nice round acidity and a balanced, smartly tensioned, elegant finish that lasts 90 seconds & lands on herbs & earth. — 16 days ago
2011 vintage. 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, and 11% Petit Verdot. This property was bought by the Bouygues brothers in 2006, the same year when they bought Montrose (up to first growth quality these days, and I gave the 2020 a perfect score). They made huge investments to increase the quality, and this 2011 is a very good effort in a much maligned vintage that remains in the shadow of the great 2010 and 2009 vintages. While the tannins have a slightly rough edge to them, it is balanced and satisfying, and a testimony to Bordeaux's ageing capacities, even in lesser vintages. An attractive food wine, and very good value too. Abv. 13%. — 19 days ago
2019 vintage. Much better than expected, this is up to its Cru Classé status. Classic Saint-Estèphe and very good value. Since the owner of Cos d'Estournel bought this neighbouring estate, this will be a Château to follow. — 13 days ago
Freddy R. Troya
This is literally a 2nd Label from a 2nd Growth Grand Cru Classé with a vintage that seats among the great years of Château Montrose. The grapes were very good quality, and further strengthened Montrose’s ultra-precise plot selection, which at times involves multiple passes through a plot to attain optimum ripeness. Unequivocally, the 2nd selection of Château Montrose is marked by the terroir as well (Situated on a well-exposed gravelly land overlooking the Gironde)
The blend composition; Cab Sauv 55 %, Merlot 41 % Petit Verdot 4 % takes you to experience an intense deep red color, a powerful and expressive nose with complex aromas of black fruit, fine oak, a bit caramelized and a hint of pleasant smoky notes as well.
The entrance on the palate is full force and rich, the roundness and harmony are sensed by the mid-rage of the palate as well, the mouthfeel reveals very silky tannins, it provides a great length with some degree of red fruit ripeness on the finish.
This wine V.2015 is still cruising beautifully in its prime time and will continue like this for another 3-5 years with the same tasting profile, and the price point makes it even tastier! Cheers! — 3 days ago