Chateau Montrose   Montrose

2007 Montrose

By Chateau Montrose

2007 Montrose from Chateau Montrose, St-Estephe, Bordeaux

In the rhapsodic world of Bordeaux, both collector and connoisseur alike search for vintages that encapsulate the region’s heralded sophistication. The 2007 Montrose from Chateau Montrose presents an intriguing chapter in the storied tapestry of St-Estephe. This vintage arrives with whispers of reticence yet unfurls on the palate with an articulate expression of terroir.

 

Finding Equilibrium in a Challenging Season

2007 was not without its climatic challenges; it was a year that demanded the utmost resilience and innovation from vintners. Chateau Montrose approached these trials with their characteristic finesse, nurturing the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend into a composition that speaks to the adept handling of the estate

The 2007 Montrose articulates its identity through a complex nose of dark berries laced with graphite and subtle hints of tobacco – a sensorial prelude to the disciplined structure on the palate. Medium-bodied and decidedly elegant, its age has ushered in softened tannins that frame layers of nuanced truffle, wet earth, and matured dark fruit notes.

 

A Collector's Touchstone

This fine vintage interlaces enduring quality with the chameleon-like ability to reflect the year’s specific climatic narrative. Investment potential bristles under its surface; like many dignified Bordeaux not accorded legendary status at birth, the 2007 Montrose belies expectation and unwinds a tale of delicate defiance.

While it may not boast the raw power or longevity of more famed years, this vintage’s charm lies in its grace and measured maturity – making it an intelligent acquisition for any discerning investor quick to recognise its quiet allure.

 

The Graceful Maturity of St-Estephe's Craft

As I muse upon the 2007 Montrose from Chateau Montrose, I am compelled to regard it as one of those quietly confident entities that resonate with those who seek refinement over bravado. It is undeniably a testament to St-Estephe's relentless pursuit of excellence despite adversity.

Market price (CAD)

$1,400.00

12x75cl

Highest score

92

POP score

70

Scores and tasting notes

92

Tasted at BI Wine & Spirits' 10-Years-On tasting, the 2007 Montrose has a crisp, earthy, tobacco-scented bouquet with sage and clove developing in the glass—clearly a Saint Estèphe that is determined to succeed in an off-vintage, which this estate is masterful at doing. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin. This bottle felt compact for this vintage, one of the few 2007s that merit decanting. However, there is undeniably plenty of freshness and a welcome touch of spice towards the finish. Linear in style, this is one of the few 2007s that should improve with bottle age. Tasted February 2017.

Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 30 June 2017

91

One of the stars of the vintage, the 2007 Montrose boasts a deep blue/purple color as well as a sweet bouquet of creme de cassis, crushed rocks, and spring flowers. Dense and opulent with silky tannins, a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, a long finish, and no hard edges, this beauty should drink well for 15+ years.

Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #188 Apr 2010

90+

Tasted blind at the 2007 Bordeaux horizontal in Southwold. The Montrose 2007 does not have the same complexity as its peers on the nose: quite subtle and demanding coaxing from the glass, eventually offering ripe blackberry, pomegranate and a touch of cedar. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, quite cohesive but a little soft in texture towards the fleshy finish. Once it was revealed as Montrose, I must take into account that it rarely shows well in its youth and probably deserved more decanting, hence the plus sign. Tasted January 2011.

Neal Martin - Wine Journal Nov 2011

Vintage performance