Chateau Montrose St Estephe 2018

Château Montrose, Deuxième Cru Classé Saint Estephe, Bordeaux, France, 2018

Grape: 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, 95ha vineyard on deep gravel/sand soil, hand-picked, matured for 18 months in 60% new French oak.

The colour is dark, a deep and intense ruby colour with incredible density. The nose is delicate and very complex. With aeration, the nose reveals aromas of black fruit and white flowers accompanied by subtle smoky notes. On the palate, the attack is full with exceptional aromatic richness. Powerful and silky, it offers incredible length and finesse. A classy, elegant and very precise wine that perfectly reflects the signature of our terroir.

Critics' Tasting Notes:

"Extremely deep, concentrated crimson. Intense and exciting on the nose. Great richness; I don’t think I would guess the appellation if served this blind. Though there is some stoniness on the finish. Hugely concentrated but not exaggerated. Very long and complex. All set for a great long life." Drink 2026-2050

18/20 points, Jancis Robinson, JancisRobinson.com, November 2021

"The 2018 Montrose is a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Very deep garnet-purple in color, it needs a good amount of air to unlock the vibrant scents of crushed blackberries, preserved plums and cassis with suggestions of star anise, cedar chest, underbrush, Indian spices and iron ore, plus an emerging waft of violets. The full-bodied palate features the most exquisitely ripe tannins, offering a rock-solid backbone with tons of freshness lifting the taut, muscular fruit, finishing long and mineral laced. Going back to this wine over a period of hours and then days further reveals a Montrose of great opulence, richness and depth. Incidentally, the IPT level this year is 82, which indicates a very high level of tannins, and yet they are so, so ripe. The alcohol is around 14.5%. But sit back, close your eyes and forget the numbers—this is pure hedonism in its youth with a fantastic 40+ years of cellaring ahead of it, during the course of which do not be at all surprised if you are blown away by a three-digit experience." Drink 2024-2064

98+/100 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, WINE ADVOCATE, March 2021

"Inky in color, the wine is opaque. On the nose, spice box, smoke, espresso, roasted black and red fruits, flowers, and 5 spice come through. On the palate, the wine is intense, full-bodied, rich, dense, opulent, sweet, fresh, long, and concentrated. The depth of flavor is impressive. Black and red fruits build and expand. The tannins are ripe, round, and refined. With a depth of flavor, a flamboyant character, and a nonstop finish, this is a rockstar in the making. The wine was made by blending 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, 14.5% ABV. The wine is a bit more reserved today than in previous tastings, but it is a clear candidate for a triple-digit score when it begins to reach maturity." Drink from 2028-2060

98/100 points, Jeff Leve, THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER, July 2022