Château Montrose 2016

A smooth and refined Saint-Estèphe Second Cru Classé

The estate

Owned by the brothers Martin and Olivier Bouygues since 2006, Château Montrose is an iconic reference among fine Saint-Estèphe wines. This 1855 Second Cru Classé watches over one of the most beautiful terroirs of the Médoc appellation. 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 woldwide reputation.

The vineyard

Situated in an exceptional location, considered as one of the finest terroirs in the Bordeaux region, the Château Montrose vineyard covers 95 hectares of vines. This vast single-block vineyard is a rarity on a terroir considered as an "elite core". Situated not far from the Gironde estuary, Château Montrose’s vineyard is planted on gravel terraces mixed with sand on the surface, while the subsoil is clayey.

The vintage

A relatively mild winter preceded a very rainy spring. Thanks to the Gironde estuary’s temperature-regulating influence, the frosts recorded at the end of April did not impact the vineyard. The high temperatures during summer forced the vines to draw from their water reserves, fully replenished following the rainfall during spring. Hot and sunny, September was punctuated by rainy spells that boosted the ripening process. Warm days alternated with cool nights, ideal conditions to preserve the balance between freshness and aromatic power. The harvest was carried out under perfect conditions from  September 23rd to October 14th.

Vinification and ageing

Vinification by plot in order to reveal the nuances and style of each tank. For this vintage, 50 parcels are included in the blend.

The blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (68%)

Merlot (25%)

Cabernet Franc (7%)

Château Montrose 2016: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

Deep, dark and intense colour.

Nose

Complex and lively, the nose combines fruity and spicy fragrances with woody and toasty notes.

Palate

A full attack precedes a full and generous mouth. The palate seduces with its precise tannins, its silky feel and its long finish.