Chateau Montrose is a Bordeaux benchmark known for producing powerful, savory Cabernet-de-garde in the classical Saint-Estephe mold. It’s also the kind of estate that claret lovers refer to as a “super second”: a second-growth-ranked wine which can match (or even best) first-growth estates like Lafite or Margaux in special vintages.
Professional Reviews
Robert Parker
RP
94
"The first vintage under new owner Martin Bouygues,who convinced Jean-Bernard Delmas to come out of retirement to produce this wine, the 2006 Montrose is an undeniable success. A blend of approximately two-thirds Cabernet Sauvignon, one-third Merlot, and a tiny dollop of Petit Verdot, the most dramatic difference between the 2006, and wines made by the previous administration is that Jean Delmas produces wines with sweeter, silkier tannins, although analytically, they are as high as those found in the great Montrose vintages of the past. The 2006 is extraordinarily elegant and finesse-styled, but it exhibits stunningly concentrated, sweet blackberry and cassis fruit with hints of flowers and minerals. Full-bodied with a savory, expansive mid-palate as well as sweet, noble tannins, this beauty will benefit from 3-4 years of bottle age, and should drink well for 20-25+ years." -Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson
JR
17.5
"Jean-Bernard Delmas has instituted a green harvest in the vineyards to get riper fruit and less rustic tannins. yields were lower than average at 41 hl/ha. and in the winery, more gentle handling by using remontage (pumping over) and not délestage (rack and return). 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% merlot. 60% new oak.
Very dark crimson. Not that much nose but great sweetness on the palate. Then and only then the dryness of Saint-Estèphe. Not sure there is quite the focus of montrose in its best vintages in the 21st century but presumably the team, under Jean-Bernard Delmas’ direction, will get there. a little moue and soft for montrose. Slightly inky on the finish. Not quite the weight required for this amount of dryness. I feel. surely an interim vintage. ipt 80. there is freshness and vivacity. Energy."
Wine Spectator
WS
91
"Starts off silky and refined. Medium- to full-bodied, with a fine finish, but needs a little more on the midpalate. Attractive spice and currant character."
Details
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Grape Variety
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Vintage
2006
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Size
750ml
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Farming Practice
Sustainable
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Style
Silky