Montrose

1998 Montrose Montrose

  • Classification:
    2nd growth
  • Color:
    Red
  • Appellation:
    Saint Estephe
  • Volume:
    0.75L
  • Grape Type:
    Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
  • Packaging:
    OWC x 12
  • Stock Location:
    France
€165
 
Wine Critics Notes:

Vinous - Score: 90 (2018 May)

The 1998 Montrose was the only recent vintage that was omitted from the series of verticals that I conducted in 2016. It is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc and 8% Petit Verdot picked between 22 September and 6 October. Funnily enough, I had not tasted it since en primeur! It has a high-toned and expressive bouquet with blackberry, leather, a touch of menthol and dried herbs, a little earthiness coming through with time. There is still plenty of freshness here. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannin. This offers fine balance and a smooth texture, slightly lactic in texture with tobacco and even a touch of latte towards the black fruit-driven finish. There is almost a case for this Montrose being too melted in character. Fine, but I think it could have been better. Tasted at the château.