Château Montrose
Saint-Estèphe Cabernet Sauvignon Blend
St. Estèphe, Médoc, Bordeaux, France
From Magnum. Served blind alongside what was later to be revealed as the 1970 Mayacamas. This was universally determined to be from Bordeaux. But what wine and which vintage? The other wine served alongside seemed almost androgynous, relatively speaking, and at least one at the table was absolutely convinced that wine was the 1970 Mayacamas. And if that was this case, then this must be the 1970 Montrose…a wine which nearly epitomizes masculinity in Bordeaux.
A little later in the evening, this was a fun side by side with the 2000 Montrose which was served in a separate blind pairing. Truthfully, they seemed to be at a point where age was only a number. Both were unashamedly masculine with dark fruit, tobacco, and earth with ferrous minerals. Finish was long with great acid. For me, only notable difference between the two was the integration of tannin for which the 2000 was still holding fast. To be honest, both of these wines seem everlasting. The structure is that of Helms Deep and yet, there is juuuuuuust enough balance of fruit to make it worth the wait. That being said, you gotta be patient and/or have generational plans for your cellar. For both, drink now until…2070+?
From Magnum. Served blind alongside what was later to be revealed as the 1970 Mayacamas. This was universally determined to be from Bordeaux. But what wine and which vintage? The other wine served alongside seemed almost androgynous, relatively speaking, and at least one at the table was absolutely convinced that wine was the 1970 Mayacamas. And if that was this case, then this must be the 1970 Montrose…a wine which nearly epitomizes masculinity in Bordeaux.
A little later in the evening, this was a fun side by side with the 2000 Montrose which was served in a separate blind pairing. Truthfully, they seemed to be at a point where age was only a number. Both were unashamedly masculine with dark fruit, tobacco, and earth with ferrous minerals. Finish was long with great acid. For me, only notable difference between the two was the integration of tannin for which the 2000 was still holding fast. To be honest, both of these wines seem everlasting. The structure is that of Helms Deep and yet, there is juuuuuuust enough balance of fruit to make it worth the wait. That being said, you gotta be patient and/or have generational plans for your cellar. For both, drink now until…2070+?
Came close enough to the '55 Latour that I had to think hard about it for a minute!
Came close enough to the '55 Latour that I had to think hard about it for a minute!
Aug 1st, 2016
#birthyearwine. What can I say. Still going strong. Silky tannins and acidity was fantastic. Tobacco and leather components. Fruits were subdued but just giving hints to the power bit once held. 1970.
#birthyearwine. What can I say. Still going strong. Silky tannins and acidity was fantastic. Tobacco and leather components. Fruits were subdued but just giving hints to the power bit once held. 1970.
Nov 5th, 2014
Comes on strong after some time in glass. Needed to kick that bottle funk at the beginning!
Comes on strong after some time in glass. Needed to kick that bottle funk at the beginning!
Nov 1st, 2014You know the vintage but they need to be consumed, all of them, now. Look for the underrated impressive 1971 values.
You know the vintage but they need to be consumed, all of them, now. Look for the underrated impressive 1971 values.
Dec 24th, 2013
Beautiful. Still plenty of life
Beautiful. Still plenty of life
Aug 20th, 2013
Flat and acidic
Flat and acidic
Apr 17th, 2013
We clearly had better bottles on the 2 cases we polished over the years. But was still great claret. Those who think St Estephe is rustic need to try Montrose 1970. All about finesse and elegance. Thank you NY !
We clearly had better bottles on the 2 cases we polished over the years. But was still great claret. Those who think St Estephe is rustic need to try Montrose 1970. All about finesse and elegance. Thank you NY !
Aug 23rd, 2023