Château Montrose 2017

Composed of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and a 1% splash of Petit Verdot, the 2017 Montrose wine was run off into 60% new and 40% one-year old barrels where it was aged for 18 months. The grand vin represented 37% of the estate’s total production. Deep garnet-purple in color, the nose takes some time to unfurl before revealing an impressively flamboyant core of black cherry preserves, warm cassis and baked plums with hints of red currant jelly, dark chocolate, licorice, cardamom and chargrill plus a gentle waft of candied violets. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has fantastic intensity with a very elegant, modest weight, featuring super-ripe, finely-grained tannins and tons of freshness to lift and show-off a stunning array of gorgeous black fruit and fragrant sparks, finishing very long and refined. This is an incredibly classy, poised and sophisticated Montrose! Lisa Perrotti-Brown. March 2020.

So viel Finesse und Subtilität im Bouquet von Montrose. Es offenbart sich langsam, auf delikate Weise. Ich nehme filigrane blumige und fruchtige Noten wahr, in perfekter Harmonie. Klassische Düfte von Zedernholz und Zigarrenkisten. Mit etwas Luft gewinnt der fruchtige Ausdruck an Intensität, um Aromen von Brombeeren und schwarzen Johannisbeeren zu offenbaren. Am Gaumen zeigt Montrose von Beginn an seine Kraft, aber auch seine Fähigkeit, kompakte und straffe Tannine mit der aromatischen Seite zu verbinden. Die Tannine sind feinkörnig und treten langsam am Ende des Gaumens auf. Die Struktur bietet ein ausgezeichnetes Rückgrat für den gesamten Gaumen. Ein Montrose, der Geduld verlangt und über die nötige Substanz hat um längere Zeit im Weinkeller zu verbringen. 2024-2042. Dezember 2019.

This has more Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend this year, the highest level since 2006, because the Merlot didn't quite make it through the September rains unscathed. The wine is correspondingly powerful with a robust accompanying acidity that promises a long life. The fruit character is savoury, succulent and extremely persistent, with fleshy blackberry alongside touches of redcurrant and a pulsating freshness that keeps on coming. Harvested 12-29 September with twelve days spent actually picking, compared to sixteen days over the last few years, with more hands on deck. They have never been affected by frost, as far as they can remember, and 2017 was no exception. The wind is always such a benefit here. A normal yield of 45hl/ha, 37% of which was for the grand vin. 60% new oak. Drinking window: 2025 - 2040. Jane Anson. April 2018.

Couleur sombre, intense, belle et pourpre. Nez fin, fruité, subtil et profond. Note d’encre et de violette. Ample à l’attaque, juteux au développement, très fruité en milieu de bouche et plein, le vin évolue un tantinet tannique mais très savoureux. Belle finale avec un joli retour d’arômes dans la persistance. Assemblage : 76 % cabernet sauvignon, soit un peu plus que de coutume, 20 % merlot, 3 % cabernet franc, 1 % petit verdot. Degré d’alcool : 13. pH : 3.7. IPT 70. Sélection pour le premier vin : 37 % de la production. A déguster de préférence entre 2024 et 2044. Avril 2018.

A well-structured wine, this is rich in tannins and in density. The tannins show firmness, a dry edge that runs with the black-currant fruits to give a wine that will be well balanced and serious. Drink this powerful wine from 2024. Roger Voss. March 2020.