Chateau Montrose 2011 (1x75cl)

Elegant and racy wine with blueberry, blackberry and mineral aromas. Full to medium body, with fine tannins. Pretty length. Like the 2008, but with less acidity. 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot.

A strong effort, the 2011 Montrose exhibits a dense ruby/purple color in addition to abundant black currant and boysenberry fruit notes intermixed with white chocolate, damp earth, truffle and camphor. Medium to full-bodied with sweet tannin and impressive concentration, this blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot hit nearly 13% natural alcohol (relatively high in Bordeaux, but lower than the 13.2% in 2009 and 13.8% in 2010). The 2011 should drink well for 15 or more years.

(63% cabernet sauvignon; 22% merlot, 12% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot): Deep ruby-purple. Mineral notes complicate scents of fresh blackcurrant and cedar. Dense and pure on entry, then almost austere in the middle, showing very refined flavors of crystallized blackcurrant and juicy blackberry. Finishes with rising, noble tannins and a minty edge. Only 44% of total production (rather than normal 65%) went into the grand vin because the cabernets didn't produce as much. Note that since 2007 more of the estate's cabernet franc and petit verdot are going into the flagship wine; in fact, Glumineau plans to remove some merlot and add more cabernet franc.

Features some lovely plum, black currant and blackberry fruit, already melded into the core, while a pure, long and rather regal structure runs through the finish, letting extra charcoal and pebble notes play out. Offers precision, range and a beautiful mix of fruit and austerity. Best from 2017 through 2027. 13,750 cases made. -JM