2000 Montrose 75CL

Saint-Estephe

₱27,995
Unit price per

TASTING NOTES:

Wine Rating: RP 94+ points
Drink by: 2023 - 2060

Tasted at the vertical in London, the question was whether the 2000 Montrose would be paradigmatic of a vintage whereby the wines have remained sullen and broody in their youth. On this occasion, to my surprise I found it more open than the 2005 (which admittedly is not saying that it's open for business!). It is a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot picked from 22 September to 7 October.
I afforded it a couple of hours in the glass and it responded with plenty of pure ripe blackberry and raspberry fruit, hints of cold slate, and even charcoal emerging with time. The palate is not as complex as the aforementioned 2005, yet there is wonderful backbone and focus; towards the finish there is a sense of suppleness and refinement that might make this absolutely delicious in 5-7 years' time. Perhaps the 2000 has been usurped by subsequent releases in 2005, 2009 and 2010, but do not be surprised if it evolves into a regal Montrose. Tasted June 2016.

The story of Montrose, written by three families of owners over two centuries, is a reflection of their spirit, marked by their pursuit of excellence and by legendary vintages. As pioneers in the Médoc, visionary builders and astute managers, they tended and got the best out of its unique terroir. It is they who laid the foundations to which Montrose now owes its image and its unique place in the world of great wines.

Succeeding three generations of the Charmolüe family, Martin and Olivier Bouygues acquired Château Montrose in 2006. They loved its wines, to which they had been introduced by their father, Francis Bouygues. Under their impetus, Montrose entered the 21st century with a spectacular reconstruction.

The result of rigorous selection at each stage of production, in both the vineyard and the winery, this great, predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon wine is typical of the Saint-Estèphe appellation. Structured and tannic but with all the elegance and refinement of a Grand Cru Classé, with time it develops a delicate and complex bouquet. The wines have considerable ageing potential and are exceptionally long-lived.