Château Montrose 2011
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The aromatic intensity and finesse of a Saint-Estèphe red wine
The estate
Owned by the brothers, Martin and Olivier Bouygues, since 2006, Château Montrose is an iconic reference in the Saint-Estèphe appellation. This Second Cru Classé in 1855 watches over one of the most beautiful terroirs in the Médoc wine region. Today, as in the past, Château Montrose stands out due to the quality of its wines, its style and its distinctiveness, making this property a key estate with a worldwide reputation.
The vineyard
Situated in an exceptional location, considered as one of the greatest terroirs in the Bordeaux region, Château Montrose's vineyard covers 95 hectares of vines. This vast single block vineyard is a rarity on a terroir regarded as an "elite core". Located not far from the Gironde estuary, the Château Montrose vineyard produces fine Saint-Estèphe wines and is planted on gravel terraces mixed with sand on the surface, while the subsoil is clayey.
The vintage
The weather conditions during the year 2011 did not spare this Médoc vineyard. Snowfall during winter preceded a period of drought along with very high temperatures. Followed by an episode of hail that impacted the vineyard.
The vinification and ageing
Due to these extreme conditions, the vinification process received greater attention. The aim being to preserve the wine's freshness all while seeking a perfect balance between expressing the aromas and extracting supple and silky tannins.
The blend
Cabernet Sauvignon (63%)
Merlot (22%)
Cabernet franc (12%)
Petit Verdot (3%)
Château Montrose 2011: Characteristics and tasting tips
The tasting
Colour
This wine is a deep garnet colour.
Nose
The nose combines blackcurrant and liquorice fragrances with subtle woody notes.
Palate
The palate is long and seductive with its red fruit aromas and ripe, precise tannins. The high concentration of Cabernet Franc gives this wine a supple structure.
Tasted at the château, the 2011 Montrose is a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot picked between 2-27 September. The nose does not possess the exuberance of the 2008, a little conservative and lacking personality by comparison. It does repay aeration though and after some time, there are attractive cold stone/limestone notes that begin to emerge. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, grippy tannin. It is a solid Montrose, quite stout, perhaps not the greatest fun you will ever have with a Claret, yet with admirable depth on the lightly spiced, cedar-infused finish. Whilst I prefer the 2008 Montrose, the 2011 is a decent off-vintage that should offer 20 years of drinking pleasure. Tasted September 2016.