Chateau Montrose 2003

Produced in France, this monumental red wine originates from the Saint Estephe appellation on the Left Bank of Bordeaux. Chateau Montrose is a historic Second Growth estate, established in the 1855 Classification just 40 years after its first vines were planted by Théodore Dumoulin. The property was owned by the Charmolüe family for over a century until its purchase in 2006 by Martin and Olivier Bouygues, who have continued the estate's philosophy of producing powerful, long-lived wines that reflect its unique gravel and clay terroir overlooking the Gironde estuary.

Wine Description

The 2003 vintage is a 'superstar' and a modern legend, boasting an opaque blue-purple colour. The bouquet is spectacular and flamboyant, offering aromas of creme de cassis, blackberry liqueur, licorice, and camphor, intertwined with notes of scorched earth, truffle, and cigar wrapper. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, opulent, and unctuously textured, displaying a 'skyscraper-like' concentration and layers of seamless black fruit. Despite the heat of the vintage, it maintains a surprising definition and freshness with melted, velvety tannins and a finish that exceeds 60 seconds. This blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot has entered its plateau of maturity and is expected to drink beautifully through 2043.

Accolades

• "Wine Advocate - 99 points"

• "Wine Spectator - 98 points"

• "James Suckling - 97 points"

• "Vinous - 97 points"