Château MONTROSE 2015
In Saint-Estèphe, Château Montrose occupies one of the most spectacular terroirs of the Médoc, on a vast gravelly ridge directly overlooking the Gironde estuary. Second Grand Cru Classé in 1855, the estate benefits from a single-block vineyard whose soils combine deep gravel and clay-marl subsoils, offering both drainage, water reserve, and regular ripening. This configuration largely explains Montrose's ability to produce powerful wines without losing their freshness, even in sunny years. Since its acquisition by Martin and Olivier Bouygues in 2006, the estate has undertaken significant precision work in the vineyards and the cellar, with particular attention to the natural balances of the vineyard. Cabernet Sauvignon forms the historic backbone of the cru, while Merlot brings more flesh and depth to the mid-palate. The 2015 vintage, generous but less massive than some great Saint-Estèphe years, yields a particularly harmonious wine, already expressive but still deeply structured for aging. It combines fruit ripeness, freshness, and tannic finesse in a style very faithful to Montrose's identity.
Château Montrose 2015 blends 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, and 4% Cabernet Franc. The high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon gives the wine a straight, deep, and persistent structure, while Merlot adds a more enveloping texture and a generous expression of black fruit. Cabernet Franc plays a more discreet role with floral, spicy nuances and additional freshness. The different plots are vinified separately to preserve their personality before composing the final blend. Extractions are conducted with precision to accompany the vintage's natural ripeness without hardening the tannic framework. Aging in French oak barrels then gradually refines the matter and allows the fruit, wood, and tannins to gain cohesion. After more than ten years in bottle, the 2015 begins to reveal additional complexity while still retaining considerable reserve for prolonged evolution.
The color shows a very deep garnet with still strong ruby reflections. The nose opens on blackcurrant, blackberry, and black plum, accompanied by cedar, graphite, and violet. With aeration, blond tobacco, licorice, cocoa, and fine smoky nuances gradually appear, enhancing the bouquet's depth. The palate is ample and structured, with fine but still present tannins that give the wine a dense texture without harshness. Cabernet Sauvignon brings great length and persistent freshness, while Merlot softens the mid-palate and gives it more velvety texture. The finish is long, precise, and mineral, on black fruits, graphite, tobacco, and spices. Château Montrose 2015 will accompany roasted rack of lamb, beef fillet with porcini mushrooms, pigeon, royal hare, or refined cuisine around black truffle.
Grape varieties: 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc
