Chateau Montrose

Chateau Montrose is a 2nd growth in the Saint Estephe appellation of the left bank of Bordeaux. The location itself is exceptional, facing the Gironde Estuary which means the 95ha vineyard benefits from the moderating influence of this body of water during hot summers and harsh winters. This red blend is 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot and scored over 95 by many of the critics. All typical Medoc aromas and flavours of blackcurrant, licorice, pencil lead, crushed stones, warm spices and violets. Balanced and impressive, give this a decade before opening and age for the next 30+ years.

Balancing complexity and finesse, Chateau Montrose 2020 offers silky tannins interwoven with flavors of blackberry, tobacco, and graphite —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

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.

Chateau Montrose has a family history dating back to 1815, with three owners overall, now being operated by the Charmolue family. This 1855 classification isa 2nd growth located on the left bank appellation of Saint Estephe. The Dame de Montrose is the estate's second label, made to the same rigourous standards as the First Wine. The 2019 is a red blend made from 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. Atypical of blends from the left bank, there is a large percentage of merlot in these wines giving a juicy quality, yet still serious potential for ageing. Plum, blackberry, tobacco and eark earth notes dominate. It's medium bodied with a silky texture, light tannins and a beautiful finish.

Reflecting centuries of winemaking mastery, Dame De Montrose 2020 offers a full-bodied profile with vibrant acidity and layers of dark fruit —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

Blend: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc
Drinking Window: 2032–2050

A true classic in the making, Montrose 2024 is firm, precise, and deeply layered, highlighting its record-setting proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon. Vivid cassis, cigar wrapper, and mineral notes meet refined tannins and remarkable length.

97 Points - James Suckling
"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."

Blend: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc
Drinking Window: 2032–2050

A true classic in the making, Montrose 2024 is firm, precise, and deeply layered, highlighting its record-setting proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon. Vivid cassis, cigar wrapper, and mineral notes meet refined tannins and remarkable length.

97 Points - James Suckling
"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."

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon (80%), Merlot (17%), Cabernet Franc (3%)
Drinking Window: 2036-2068

98-100 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A monumental Château Montrose that perfectly marries Saint-Estèphe power with extraordinary refinement. The nose is intensely expressive, unveiling layers of cassis, blackberries and dark cherries intertwined with graphite, violets, cedar and crushed stone. Full-bodied and impeccably structured, the palate delivers remarkable concentration and depth while maintaining exceptional freshness and precision. Dense yet beautifully sculpted, its core of pure dark fruit is framed by velvety, ultra-fine tannins and a commanding mineral backbone. The finish is exceptionally long, powerful and seamless, revealing outstanding harmony and confirming this as one of the defining wines of the vintage with remarkable aging potential.”

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon (80%), Merlot (17%), Cabernet Franc (3%)
Drinking Window: 2036-2068

98-100 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A monumental Château Montrose that perfectly marries Saint-Estèphe power with extraordinary refinement. The nose is intensely expressive, unveiling layers of cassis, blackberries and dark cherries intertwined with graphite, violets, cedar and crushed stone. Full-bodied and impeccably structured, the palate delivers remarkable concentration and depth while maintaining exceptional freshness and precision. Dense yet beautifully sculpted, its core of pure dark fruit is framed by velvety, ultra-fine tannins and a commanding mineral backbone. The finish is exceptionally long, powerful and seamless, revealing outstanding harmony and confirming this as one of the defining wines of the vintage with remarkable aging potential.”

Blend: Merlot (73%), Cabernet Sauvignon (24%), Petit Verdot (3%)
Drinking Window: 2030-2048

94-96 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A beautifully polished La Dame de Montrose that combines generosity with the precision and structure of its renowned grand vin. Fragrant aromas of ripe blackberries, black cherries and plums are complemented by notes of violets, graphite, cedar and subtle spices. Medium- to full-bodied, the palate is silky and expressive, offering layers of vibrant dark fruit supported by refined tannins and lively acidity. Harmonious and elegantly balanced, it delivers impressive depth and mineral freshness through a long, graceful finish. A sophisticated Saint-Estèphe that offers both early accessibility and excellent aging potential.”