Château Montrose, Saint-Estèphe Grand Cru Classé AOC

Key characteristics:

Château Montrose, Saint-Estèphe Grand Cru Classé AOC is a prestigious Second Growth (Deuxième Grand Cru Classé) from the esteemed 1855 classification, renowned for its consistently powerful, structured, and age-worthy red wines. Often likened to “the Latour of Saint-Estèphe,” it embodies a classic yet refined style that develops remarkable complexity over decades. The estate is also a pioneer in sustainable viticulture, having made significant investments in geothermal energy and solar panels to reduce its environmental footprint.

Tasting Notes:

• Variety: A masterful blend primarily composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot and Cabernet Franc, creating a wine of exceptional depth and character.
• Appearance: Deep ruby red with alluring purple hints.
• Aroma: The nose reveals an intense and complex bouquet, with delicate toasted notes of pine nuts and hazelnuts, intertwined with a seductive fragrance of rose and violet flowers. Herbal and spicy undertones emerge, alongside hints of crushed rock, dark fruit, tobacco, blackcurrant, and eucalyptus.
• Taste: On the palate, this wine is concentrated, muscular, and elegant, offering a vibrant and complex experience. It presents layers of dense yet refined tannins and fresh acidity, leading to a rounded and silky mouthfeel. Expect a full-bodied profile with flavors of dark berries, plums, and subtle spice, culminating in a long, persistent, and exquisitely mineral finish with hints of brioche and licorice.
• Region: Hailing from Saint-Estèphe in Bordeaux, France, Château Montrose benefits from an exceptional single-block terroir of deep gravel over clay subsoils. Its unique location near the Gironde estuary provides a moderating microclimate, ideal for the optimal ripening and expression of Cabernet Sauvignon, the king varietal of Montrose.
• Pairing: An ideal companion for a range of hearty dishes, including red meats, lamb, beef, game, and robust hard cheeses. It also pairs beautifully with roasted, braised, and grilled preparations of veal, pork, and duck.

Overall impression:

Château Montrose is a wine of profound elegance and formidable power, celebrated for its remarkable structure, concentration, and ability to age gracefully for many decades. It offers a truly refined and complex drinking experience that captivates with its depth and harmonious balance.

Extra notes:

• Château Montrose was classified as a Second Growth (Deuxième Grand Cru Classé) in the historic Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855, a testament to its enduring quality and prestige.
• The name “Montrose” is believed to originate from the pink heather (“rose”) that once covered the hillsides (“mont”) around the estate, a charming nod to its natural surroundings.