At a glance

Producer

Château Montrose

Region

Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$130-$200

Tasting profile

Blackcurrant, cedar, tobacco, graphite with underlying earthy and minerally notes; firm but ripe tannins

Evolution: Will develop more complex tertiary aromas of leather, truffle, and forest floor over next decade

At peak: Integrated tannins, vibrant fruit, elegant spice and balanced acidity with a long, persistent finish

Structure

Acidity

Balanced, supporting longevity and freshness

Tannins

Firm, well-structured, ripe and silky with time

Alcohol

Approx. 13.5-14%

Aging potential

Excellent, 25-35 years from vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2060

Optimal window

2024 to 2063

Current status

Early maturity, developing complexity

Current condition

Robust tannic structure, still evolving aromatics

The 2016 vintage in Saint-Estèphe was exceptional with ideal ripening conditions, producing full-bodied wines with abundant tannins and complexity that require several years to soften and integrate before reaching peak expression.

Food pairing

Grilled or roasted red meats, game dishes, hearty stews, aged cheeses, and dishes with earthy mushrooms or truffles

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To allow the wine to open up, soften tannins and reveal complex aromas

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Château Montrose employs integrated pest management, reduced phytosanitary treatments, water conservation methods, and energy-efficient winery practices

While not fully organic or biodynamic, Château Montrose has made significant strides toward sustainability with certified sustainable farming, careful vineyard management to preserve soil health, water and energy conservation measures, and efforts to reduce packaging weight and overall carbon emissions.