1995 Montrose
By Chateau Montrose
1995 Montrose from Chateau Montrose, St-Estephe, Bordeaux
The 1995 Montrose from Chateau Montrose stands as a paragon of the vintage, a year that was shaped by the benevolence of nature, manifesting in wines of profound structure and longevity. This storied vintage, marked by a sublime equilibrium of climatic conditions, allowed for the grapes to attain optimal maturity, imparting an elegant complexity to the wines of St-Estephe.
An Exemplar Vintage Showcasing Vitality and Precision
1995 was a year when Bordeaux reclaimed its throne amidst whispers of vintages past that courted eccentric weather patterns. In stark contrast, this particular annum was graced with a relatively dry and warm season, providing chateaux with ideal conditions for crafting wines of balance with commendable tannins and rapturous fruit depth. The meticulous selection process at Chateau Montrose and careful aging in oak barrels unfurls in a wine that showcases an intricate interplay between power and finesse distinct to this harvest.
Investment-Worthy Elegance: A Refined Cellar Treasure
Regal in structure, the 1995 Montrose exudes a lavish bouquet, reminiscent of dark cherries and blackcurrants with an undertow of truffles and earthy delight – fingerprints of its terroir pronounced by the exceptional vintage. Tasters can anticipate a well-orchestrated performance on the palate; bold yet supple tannins dance alongside plush dark fruit notes and a melting pot of spices suggesting cinnamon and subtle vanilla, further punctuated by an enduring finish that resonates with grace on the palate long after the last sip.
To delve into the realm of fine wine investment, where appreciation comes both in bouquet and in value growth potential, one would do well to consider the 1995 Montrose from Chateau Montrose. With its ever ascending arc of maturity, this vintage continues to unfold in complexity within the sanctuary of the cellar, promising returns both hedonistic and fiscal for those who possess the insight to procure it.
In conclusion, with each passing year, this exquisite offering from one of the most celebrated estates in St-Estephe burgeons into a more majestic state. Yet even now, it stands as one of the supreme accomplishments not just for Chateau Montrose but for Bordeaux as a whole during the 1990s. Its composed intensity paired with elegant maturity makes it an exemplary choice for discerning collectors and investors alike.
Market price (GBP)
£1,580.00
12x75cl
Highest score
93
POP score
121.54
Scores and tasting notes
An explosively rich, exotic, fruity Montrose, the 1995 displays even more fat and extract than the 1996. There is less Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1995 blend, resulting in a fuller-bodied, more accessible and friendlier style. The wine exhibits an opaque black/ruby/purple color, as well as a ripe nose of black fruits, vanillin, and licorice. Powerful yet surprisingly accessible (the tannin is velvety and the acidity low), this terrific example of Montrose should be drinkable at a young age. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2028.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #115 Feb 1998
Tasted at the vertical in London, I had never really warmed to the 1995 Montrose despite tasting its many times. However, this bottle seemed closed to Robert Parker's remarks from 2014. It is a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot that was harvested from 13 to 26 September. The bouquet is less vigorous and more approachable than the 1996 Montrose, initially quite taciturn, but gaining vigor with time and offering blackberry, briary and undergrowth scents, later just a touch of bay leaf and sandalwood. The palate is driven by the higher Merlot content, rendering this a relatively plush and comely Saint Estèphe, well balanced with very good depth, perhaps a Montrose for those with a penchant for headier and opulent styles of wine. Whilst the 1996 has the class and sophistication, the greatest virtue of the 1995 is the most fundamental: enjoyment. Tasted June 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 31 March 2017
Tasted several times, though never asserting itself as a great Montrose and paling against more recent vintages "A pretty wine, lacking some guts" said I in 2003. Tasted again just a week later at the Montrose vertical. Appears quite forward for a 1995. A gorgeous, warm autumnal nose with a touch of plum and raspberry. Palate is well balanced, well-knit with supple cedary red fruits. Quite fleshy with a leathery, tobacco finish. Lovely to drink now but perhaps this could have had more stuffing. Then at the Farr horizontal in September 2005. The nose is flat and lacking some vigor, all rather muffled. The medium-bodied palate lacks breeding in the company of other 1995's, leathery, meaty with a linear finish. This should be much better.
Neal Martin - Wine Advocate - Wine Journal