Château Montrose, 2ème Cru Classé, St Estèphe, 2004
A Château that has lately been producing some of its best ever wines. Their roll continues with the 2004, an assemblage of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, with ageing in 70% new oak. A deep, pretty nose, inviting but intriguing. At first silky smooth on the palate, then gently textured but still very fresh, with soft berry fruit and plenty of power beneath. Considerable depth, weight and complexity, with a layered mid-palate and very round tannins on the finish. A keeper; excellent.
critic reviews
The 2004 Montrose has a slightly rustic bouquet but is quite charming. It offers mainly red fruit, bacon fat, undergrowth and peaty scents, which are very Saint-Estèphe in style. The palate is medium-bodied with melted tannins. It is savory and a little dry, especially towards the finish, though there is good weight, and it is well balanced. Perfect to drink now.
In 2004, the yields were huge for Montrose: 57 hectoliters/hectare. A blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, it has a medium to deep garnet color, with a touch of brick. It scoots out with eager-to-please notes of Morello cherries, blackcurrant jelly, and prunes, followed by hints of dried Provence herbs, lavender oil, tilled soil, and unsmoked cigars. Medium-bodied, the palate is refreshing and vibrant, with energetic black fruit and savory layers and a fine-grained texture, finishing long and earthy. Nicely done!
Tasted at the chateau, the 2004 Montrose is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot picked between 24 September and 15 October. It has a foursquare but precise bouquet that unfolds in the glass to offer brambly red berry fruit, tar, undergrowth and cedar aromas. There is a touch of mint that emerges with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with tannins that gently grip. It is more savory than other vintages: hints of bacon fat and bell pepper towards the harmonious finish that lingers nicely in the mouth. Probably earlier drinking that other vintages, yet this Montrose has personality and will give drinking pleasure for 15-20 years. Tasted September 2016.