Château Montrose 2010 (CBO 6 mag.)

Château Montrose 2010 — Saint-Estèphe Second Growth

This Château Montrose 2010, presented here in an OWC of 6 magnums, belongs to the great modern vintages of Saint-Estèphe. Monumental, deep and built for several decades, it combines the classical power of Montrose, the exceptional ripeness of 2010 and remarkable precision: cassis, blackberry, mocha, violet, graphite, cedar, liquorice, cocoa, damp earth and a very long tannic finish.

Classified as a Second Growth in 1855, Château Montrose is one of the major references of the Médoc. Its style is based on the depth of Cabernet Sauvignon, the freshness of Saint-Estèphe and a tannic structure capable of crossing time. The 2010 is a truly great bottle: long, broad, harmonious, classical, racy and elegant, further enhanced by the slow evolution of the magnum format.

Terroir: deep gravel, clay subsoil and the influence of the Gironde

Château Montrose benefits from an exceptional location in Saint-Estèphe, facing the Gironde estuary. The vineyard forms a rare single block, planted on deep gravel resting on a clay subsoil. The gravel provides drainage and supports Cabernet Sauvignon ripening, while the clay brings water reserve, density and power.

The estuary plays an essential role by moderating climatic extremes: it tempers high heat, offers partial protection against frost and encourages steady ripening. In the 2010, this terroir is expressed with great intensity: cassis, black fruits, graphite, crushed stone, cedar, tobacco, liquorice and a long, firm and noble tannic architecture.

Tasting notes

Appearance: black with ruby reflections, dense, deep and almost opaque. In magnum, the colour should evolve very slowly, preserving the intensity, visual freshness and depth of the vintage for a long time.

Nose: complex, deep and still youthful, with warm cassis, blackberry, blueberry, plum, raspberry, violet, mocha, zan liquorice, liquorice, cedar, pencil lead, menthol, forest floor, damp earth and a touch of cocoa. With air, notes of tapenade, crushed stone, tobacco and graphite may appear.

Palate: full, dense, muscular and perfectly constructed. The black fruit is compact, ripe and deep, supported by firm, ripe, grainy and highly precise tannins. The palate combines cassis, Morello cherry, blackcurrant, cocoa, liquorice and minerality, with a complex and balanced mid-palate. The finish is immense, clean, fresh and persistent, marked by the depth and noble power of Saint-Estèphe.

Expression of the 2010 vintage

The 2010 vintage in Bordeaux is one of the greatest ageing vintages of the early 21st century. At Montrose, it produced a wine of exceptional concentration, but also remarkable freshness, definition and tannic precision. Harvest took place from September 27 to October 15, allowing ideal phenolic ripeness to be achieved.

Today, Château Montrose 2010 remains a wine of patience, especially in magnum. It can impress even now after long aeration, but its true horizon lies over several decades. With time, the massive black fruit will evolve towards more cedar, tobacco, leather, truffle, forest floor, graphite, cocoa and spice, while preserving the mineral and tannic backbone of the terroir.