St Estephe

Beef, Lamb, Game (deer, venison), Poultry

April and May revealed to be normal with enough heat and rain for the season. But by mid June, at the blossoming period, the weather did not favour a good fertilization. Coulure appeared on the merlots and the cabernets francs. The crop seemed to be very poor. July, August, and September gave us a normal summer, rather sunny and without rain. During the harvest, the weather was changeable until October 5th with early fogs, a few clouds playing with the sun, and four beautiful days with high temperatures (24-25°C) in the afternoon. From October 6th onwards, the weather was constantly fair and sunny. Period of harvest: September 25th – October 12th. In the end, the climatic conditions were fair enough to pick up ripe grapes, offering us a very coloured, massive, and well balanced wine.

18 months in 30% new oak

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.