Chateau Montrose Saint Estephe 2006

Chateau Montrose, 2eme Cru Classe, Saint Estephe, Bordeaux, France, 2006  

Grapes: 72% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Merlot. Ageing in oak barrels (60% new oak)

Chateau Montrose has new owners and they have the potential to make one of Bordeaux's greatest wines on a regular basis. Only 60% of the harvest has gone into the Grand Vin, Jean- Bernard Delrous, the winemaker formerly of Haut Brion has also reduced the yields. One of the densest, most backward wines of the vintage, high levels of extract & tannin will require lengthy ageing, but there is a sweetness on the finish that indicates that the wait will be worthwhile. Drink from 2016.

"Jean-Bernard Delmas has instituted a green harvest in the vineyards to get riper fruit and less rustic tannins. Yields were lower than average at 41 hl/ha. And in the winery, more gentle handling by using remontage (pumping over) and not délestage (rack and return). 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot. 60% new oak. Very dark crimson. Not that much nose but great sweetness on the palate. Then and only then the dryness of Saint-Estèphe. Not sure there is quite the focus of Montrose in its best vintages in the 21st century but presumably the team, under Jean-Bernard Delmas’ direction, will get there. A little moue and soft for Montrose. Slightly inky on the finish. Not quite the weight required for this amount of dryness. I feel. Surely an interim vintage. IPT 80. There is freshness and vivacity. Energy."

17.5/20 points, Jancis Robinson, JancisRobinson.com, April 2007

This is part of a long standing private customer’s collection. These wines are in excellent condition with the levels all around and above top shoulder. We are acting as an agent in the sale and the price is exclusive of V.A.T. which is not due. Our multibuy discounts do not apply.