2003 Montrose
By Chateau Montrose
2003 Montrose from Chateau Montrose, St-Estephe, Bordeaux
It is with particular enthusiasm that I delve into the distinctive profile of the 2003 Montrose from Chateau Montrose – a wine that represents not only the excellence of its lineage but the singularity of its vintage. The remarkable 2003 vintage was marked by an extraordinary European heatwave, prompting a unique expression in Bordeaux’s prestigious vineyards.
Intriguing Climate, Exceptional Outcome
The atypical climatic conditions of 2003 have imbued the wines from St-Estephe with an unusually opulent personality. Herein, the powerful and robust nature of 2003 Montrose is strikingly apparent, echoing the intensity of that summer. Perceptible in this wine is the careful balance wrought by Chateau Montrose's expert vinification, which harnesses St-Estephe’s signature tannic structure without allowing it to overwhelm the vintage's extraordinary ripe fruit aspects.
Vintage Distinction and Investment Appeal
With age, the 2003 Montrose reveals a sumptuous complexity. Notes of crème de cassis and blackberry liqueur intertwine with hints of charcoal and smoked earth. Its dense purple hue marks a visual promise of its deep and persistent flavour profile. The harmonious integration of its tannins speaks to the exceptional longevity which savvy collectors recognise as integral to prudent wine investment decisions. And indeed, this Montrose continues to ascend in both quality and investment esteem as it progresses through its optimal drinking window.
The beguiling interplay of power and elegance renders this wine an exemplary choice for collectors looking to embellish their portfolio with a standout vintage. As it enters its third decade, the 2003 Montrose from Chateau Montrose presents an admirable maturity, yet it undeniably retains a vibrancy that will enchant connoisseurs and investors alike for years to come.
In conclusion, as we consider the wealth of vintages available from Bordeaux's storied terroirs, the 2003 Montrose from Chateau Montrose stands out as a sterling testament to adroit winemaking amid challenging conditions; an investment-worthy vintage that continues to project strength and sophistication in each savoured sip.
Market price (USD)
$2,050.00
12x75cl
Highest score
99
POP score
88.42
Scores and tasting notes
A candidate for a perfect score, the 2003 Montrose has been a superstar since the first time I tasted it in barrel. Showing no signs of weakening, it is an amazing wine from this fabulous terroir. It boasts a deep blue/purple color as well as a stunning perfume of blueberries, black currants, blackberries, licorice and camphor. Dense, full-bodied and rich with an unctuous texture, well-integrated, melted tannins, and a long, heady finish, this big, brawny, super-intense, gorgeous 2003 is just beginning to enter its plateau of full maturity. It should remain there for at least two decades.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #214 Aug 2014
The 2003 Montrose was served blind in Bordeaux on two occasions. Picked between 11 to 26 September, it is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. It remains one of the outstanding wines of a very black and white vintage. Without knowledge of the vintage, I was hesitant to suggest 2003, because though there is clearly fruit intensity locked up inside this Saint Estèphe, it is counterbalanced by the estate's trademark masculinity and austerity. So both on the nose and the palate it reaches this happy medium: pure blackberry, graphite and roasted herbs on the nose, perhaps even more elegant than I have observed on previous bottles. The palate is medium-bodied rather than full bodied with sturdy tannins couched in layers of seamless blackberry and cassis fruit, offset by scents of tobacco and graphite. As usual it has immense length and depth, a Montrose that is really just a few chapters into what is sure to be a longer "book" than many other 2003s. It is not a perfect Montrose, but a couple of hairs' breadth away. Tasted February 2017.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 31 March 2017
After the 2009, this is the most exciting Montrose ever made, with intense aromas and flavors of plums, blueberries, spices, tobacco and cedar. It’s full-bodied with extremely refined tannins but a dense, delicious palate. Better in 2016, but why wait?
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, July 1st 2013
Tasted at Bordeaux Index's "10-Year On" tasting in London. The Montrose '03 puts the Calon-Segur in the shade with tightly coiled earthy black fruit, briary, graphite, hot steaming espresso and Provencal herbs that are all beautifully defined. The palate is medium-bodied with firm but fine ripe tannins, a crisp seam of acidity and wonderful focus on the multi-layered finish. It represents a long-term Montrose for sure - enormous persistency and grip on the aftertaste. This is a barnstorming Saint Estephe! Tasted March 2013.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2013