Montrose
Press review
Jean-Marc Quarin : 16-16,25 (89)
Showing a lovely dark and intense color with a discreet nose of little aromas, yet this wine has depth and performs very precise on entry, with fat. Then it develops quite aromatic and juicy. There are is a slightly floating nuance on the mid-palate and then the wine makes a return, more tannic on finish. It lacks a spark to my opinion! It is a blend of 65% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. The potential tannin level is 87 (very rich).
Neal Martin's Wine Journal : 88-90
En primeur barrel sample. A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, cropped at 44hl/ha and representing 60% of production. It has a deep garnet core. The bouquet is very “classic” – rather aloof and austere. Again, there are dominant sous-bois and tobacco aromas. Moderate vigour: conservative. The palate is medium-bodied, quite sharp on the entry, austere and foursquare. Holding something back perhaps? A touch of salt and pepper on the finish. Very linear. A serious Montrose that could do with more joie-de-vivre. I regret being able to taste this just once, as others are more positive about this wine. Tasted March 2009.
Parker # 194 : 95 Maturity: -2036
One of the superstars of the vintage, this classic Montrose is not as showy or opulent as the 2010, 2009 or 2003, but it offers a dense purple color followed by gorgeously sweet black raspberry and black currant fruit intermixed with loamy, earthy, forest floor notes, a floral component and a long, full-bodied finish. The 2008 was fashioned from yields of 44 hectoliters per hectare which is slightly less than the 2010's 45 hectoliters per hectare.
The Wine Doctor : 16-17+/20
This is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, and comprises 60% of the estate's production. Harvest ran from September 29th to October 15th, average yield 44 hl/ha. The character here is very reticent, with withdrawn berry fruit on the nose. The palate doesn't have a great impact, but it has freshness, and a lot of structure. big, grippy tannins, a lot of extract, but no sweetness. If you need fruit, generosity or texture look elsewhere.
The property in brief
Second growth classified in 1855. With its terroir of big gravels located by the river Gironde, its classic and powerful style, Montrose is often called the Latour of Saint Estephe. Montrose needs time to express its incomparable delicacy. In the first decade, its fantastic potential are hidden behind a certain austerity. In the second decade, the wines open themselves. In the third decade, they explose and the terroir expresses itself. In the hands of the family Charmolle from 1896 to 2006, it is now run by Martin and Olivier Bouygues.
Owner: Martin & Olivier Bouygues
Manager: Philippe de Laguarigue
Cellar master: Laurent Savovitch-Vuk
Vineyard manager: Bruno Sauquet
Oenologist: Pascal Ribéreau Gayon
Blend of the 2008 vintage: 4% Cabernet Franc, 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot
Ageing: 80% in new barrels during 18 month/s
Maceration time: 22 days
Monday, September 29, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Soil: Gravels
Area: 65 hectares
Average age of the vines: 39 years
Yield: 44 hectolitres per hectare
Price: from €90.00 to €168.75
Vintage: 2008
Chateau: St. Estephe
Color: Red
