Saint Estèphe

Best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck and game.

2012 was dominated by the vagaries of the weather. The result of a great deal of hard work and a certain degree of risk-taking at harvest-time, 2012 ranks among the estate’s excellent vintages in recent years.

Matured for 18 months in 60% new oak barrels.

The maceration period was exceptionally long – 26 to 28 days – since the very thick skins of the Merlots and Cabernets meant that more time was needed in order to extract the quintessence of the vintage.

Established as a Second Growth in the 1855 classification Chateau Montrose enjoys an exceptional geographical situation in Saint-Estèphe facing the Gironde estuary. Its 95-hectare (235-acre) vineyard thus benefits from the moderating influence of the vast water mass nearby during very hot summers and harsh winters. The vineyard is in a single sweep a rare and priceless advantage in the region. The soil consisting of deep gravel over clay favours natural drainage and ensures that the vines benefit from a slow and regular water supply from the water reserves in the subsoil. An extensive renovation program with very strict environmental objectives has been carried out at the estate since it was acquired by Martin and Olivier Bouygues in 2006 reflecting the new owners’ determination to perpetuate the quality of the wine and make Chateau Montrose a model of skilled winemaking and sustainable development. Under the direction of Hervé Berland since 2012 the estate has 68 employees in the vineyard and winery all of whom share the same philosophy: respect for the terroir and a constant quest for excellence. That philosophy is manifested in meticulous vineyard practices very precise parcel selection and use of only the best grapes to make the premium wine Chateau Montrose. The other qualities are used to make the second wine La Dame de Montrose and the third wine Le Saint-Estèphe de Montrose.