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Tasting notes
The 2023 Montrose sets a new benchmark for the estate. The nose is expressive, with blackberry, cassis, violet and a creamy depth. It’s medium-bodied but with such complexity – offering layer upon layer of flavour and freshness. It’s incredibly vibrant, polished and pure, with density to the fruit core, and refined tannins. As with the 2022, the fruit for the Grand Vin was only sourced form plots on Terrace Four, and fruit from the previously included Terrace Three plots will be going into a new cuvée that will be released at later date. Aged in 60% new oak, with 13.5% alcohol and 3.65pH. Blend: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
One of the wines of the vintage, the 2023 Château Montrose sports a vivid purple hue as well as awesome aromatics of crème de cassis, fresh blackcurrants, graphite, crushed stone, tobacco, and violets. It's medium to full-bodied and has a concentrated, layered, seamless mouthfeel, flawless balance, fine polished tannins, and a blockbuster of a finish. Based on 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, and 4% Cabernet Franc and aged 18 months in 60% new French oak, it stays in the more aristocratic style of the vintage and is an utterly sensational, deep, multi-dimensional Montrose. It's one for the ages, yet I suspect it will be approachable within a reasonable time frame as well. Drink 2030-2078.
The 2023 Montrose represents just 35% of the estate's production. It is one of the most finessed Grand Vins I have tasted here. Specifically, the tannins are so refined, so well integrated into the wine's fabric. Dark-toned fruit, grilled herbs, new leather, cedar and mocha add to an impression of virile intensity. The Cabernets speak with eloquence in the 2023.
The 2023 Montrose was one of my favourite wines from barrel. Now in bottle since July, this fulfils its promise with an intense nose of blackberry, violet and mint, giving it a subtle Pauillac-like allure. The fruit is incredibly pure here. The palate is medium-bodied with chiselled, pliant tannins that lend this Montrose a little more fluidity than I estimated from barrel. Very harmonious, really poised and long, this remains one of the finest Left Bank 2023s.
About the producer
Ch. Montrose is one of two Second Growths from Saint-Estèphe and one of the most consistent producers in Bordeaux. The wines from this property are both elegant and powerful, and some of the Médoc's most age-worthy .