2006 Ch Montrose 2ème Cru St Estèphe

Tasting Notes

Goedhuis, May 2007, Score: 89-91

For the 1st time ever, Montrose conducted a green harvest in 2006. That is, they decreased the amount of bunches limiting yield and ensuring the best possible ripeness. This was most likely inspired by their new director, Jean-Bernard Delmas, a legend amongst the Bordelais having run Haut Brion and La Mission Haut Brion for 40 years. Unlike its neighbour, Cos d'Estournel, the 2006 Montrose showed a bit more restraint at the time of tasting focusing on Bordeaux's more classic characteristics of pencil lead and cassis with additional nuances of lilac and violet. A notably terroir-driven wine.

Robert Parker, April 2007, Score: 92-95

This is the first vintage produced under the full control of Jean-Bernard Delmas, the person responsible for so many of the great Haut-Brions between 1961 and 2003. Yields were kept low (41 hectoliters per hectare), and for the first time, the entire vineyard was crop-thinned. About 60% of the production made it into the final blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Merlot and Petit Verdot. The deep ruby/purple-hued 2006 possesses classic aromas of creamy blackberries, cassis, flowers, and crushed rocks. It is medium-bodied with a multilayered texture, sweeter, more finely tuned tannin than past vintages, and a powerful finish. There has been no compromise to the wine's massive richness and density, but rather an emphasis on taming some of the huge tannins Montrose produces. It is an outstanding, fresh, lively effort that appears to be a brilliant achievement for the vintage. The tannin level ranks alongside such great Montrose vintages as 2005, 1990, and 1989, but they are noticeably sweeter. It should age handsomely for 30 or more years. Drink 2007-2037

Robert Parker, February 2009, Score: 94+

The first vintage under new owner Martin Bouygues,who convinced Jean-Bernard Delmas to come out of retirement to produce this wine, the 2006 Montrose is an undeniable success. A blend of approximately two-thirds Cabernet Sauvignon, one-third Merlot, and a tiny dollop of Petit Verdot, the most dramatic difference between the 2006, and wines made by the previous administration is that Jean Delmas produces wines with sweeter, silkier tannins, although analytically, they are as high as those found in the great Montrose vintages of the past. The 2006 is extraordinarily elegant and finesse-styled, but it exhibits stunningly concentrated, sweet blackberry and cassis fruit with hints of flowers and minerals. Full-bodied with a savory, expansive mid-palate as well as sweet, noble tannins, this beauty will benefit from 3-4 years of bottle age, and should drink well for 20-25+ years. Drink: 2012 - 2037

Jancis Robinson, May 2007, Score: 17.5

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.

St Estèphe

St Estèphe is the most northern of Médoc communal crus. Its unique terroir is made up of layers of gravel which are supported by a dense clay base. This subsoil retains water in dry seasons and works particularly well with Merlot, a largely planted variety which is used to flesh out Cabernet Sauvignon. This clay base also creates powerful, textured tannins which enable St Estèphe to stand out from the pack. Like St Julien, it is one of the four most important communal appellations of the Médoc which does not contain any first growths, despite its southern border being a stone's throw from Château Lafite. Nonetheless, it is home to some excellent châteaux such as Cos d'Estournel, Montrose, Calon Ségur and Lafon Rochet.

Montrose

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Cab. Sauvignon/ Merlot/ Cab. Franc/ Petit Verdot

Probably the best grape blend in the world? Certainly that favoured by many of the most illustrious names on the left bank in Bordeaux - Chateaux Lafite, Latour, Margaux and Mouton-Rothschild to name a few - and other cult classic from around the world such as Ornellaia, Harlan and Dominus. A spread of grape varieties provides numerous benefits - from a practical perspective a range of ripening dates provides insurance against all but the most prolonged bad weather conditions, while their complimentary characteristics combine to create a whole that is very much greater than the sum of the parts.