1998 Château Montrose

A mild spring followed by intense summer heat defined Montrose in 1989, with harvest under optimal September conditions. The estate's deep gravel soils produced profound dark fruits with leather and crushed stone notes. The wine displays remarkable power and depth, embodying Saint-Estèphe's muscular character.

September rains challenged the vintage, but Montrose's exceptional drainage and late-ripening plateau allowed extended hang time. The estate's rigorous selection and old vines proved crucial during the difficult harvest. The wine shows classic Saint-Estèphe power with cassis, iron, and tobacco notes supported by firm tannins.

The warm vintage delivered ripe, concentrated fruit while maintaining classic Montrose structure. The estate’s gravelly soils ensured balance and elegance in this 1998 bottling.

The estate's deep clay-gravel soils and elevated plateau provided perfect drainage during late summer rains. October's north winds and maritime influence dried the vineyards, allowing extended hang time for complete ripeness. The wine shows Montrose's characteristic power with black fruit precision and Saint-Estèphe's mineral core marking this classical vintage.

The scorching heat of 2003 resulted in a bold and ripe Montrose, showing immense power and concentration. Careful vineyard management preserved balance amidst extreme conditions.

At Château Montrose, the devastating April frost had minimal impact thanks to the estate's proximity to the Gironde estuary and its warming influence. The team's precise vineyard management navigated through the summer's irregular weather patterns, while the estate's well-draining gravel soils helped maintain balance during September rains. These factors, combined with strict selection, resulted in wines of classical proportions.

The 2018 growing season at Chateau Montrose began with a rainy spring, followed by a long, hot, and dry summer, creating conditions for optimal ripeness. Despite early challenges with mildew pressure, meticulous vineyard management and ideal weather during harvest resulted in grapes of exceptional quality. The 2018 Montrose reflects this unique vintage, combining intensity with finesse in a truly remarkable expression of Saint-Estèphe terroir.

The 2019 growing season at Chateau Montrose saw a mix of challenges and favorable conditions, with a rainy spring followed by a hot, dry summer. Timely rains in September refreshed the vines, allowing for optimal ripening and harvest under ideal conditions. The resulting wine showcases the vintage's hallmark freshness and concentration, with Montrose's signature power and finesse perfectly balanced.

The 2021 growing season at Château Montrose required exceptional adaptation, with the estate's position along the Gironde helping moderate both spring frost impact and summer disease pressure. The technical team's precise plot-by-plot management and careful harvest timing proved crucial, while the moderate temperatures allowed for extended hang time. These efforts resulted in wines of classical balance and lower alcohol levels.