TN: 2005 Chateau Montrose, St. Estephe

[OrlandoRobert]

This is a phenomenal wine.

But let me start with two recommendations.

First, do not touch this wine for another five years minimum, and only with a long decant.

Second, go out and buy some now.

When we think of the unfortunate modernization of so many historic Chateau, this is not it. Montrose, in 2005, remains unabashedly classic, old school. This is a behemoth wine with no glossy trappings. It’s what one expects from an estate like Montrose in a year like 2005. Has a massive Cabernet profile, big bold dark cassis, hints of pencil cedar shavings, and earthy and leathery aromas and tobacco just starting to reveal. The mouthful is burly big ripe fruits with great tannic and acidic structure. Like having a fantastic, juicy seared ribeye, seasoned, with a little Pittsburg-style on it. I generally look askance at critics timing the finish, but damn does this wine go on forever. Decanted one hour, enjoyed it over a 2.5 hour dinner. A remarkable left bank wine.

(97 pts.)

[jckba]

Nice note and fully agree on the splendidness of the 2005 as I had a bottle at a Montrose vertical a couple of years back and was left with the same overwhelming impression. And while I have an untouched case in the cellar, I too regret not having bought more.

[JimHow]

Mmmm I need to get some Montrose in my cellar.
Now THAT is a property that has risen to even greater heights in the past thirty years.
What is the scoop on the 2019 Montrose?

[OrlandoRobert]

Mmmm I need to get some Montrose in my cellar.
Now THAT is a property that has risen to even greater heights in the past thirty years.
What is the scoop on the 2019 Montrose?

We will be dead when it’s ready.

Stefan just ordered two cases.

[JimHow]

Looking forward to sipping some well-stored bottles with him in the Great Tasting Room in the Sky.
I can't remember having a disappointing post-1988 bottle of Chateau Montrose.

[Nicklasss]

I remember when that wine was available here, and i have hesitate too long before purchasing some, and finally never bought.

In regards of your comment OB, and the later vintage prices for Montrose, what a big mistake it was, not buying 2005.

The only Montrose i have is a magnum of the 2013, to drink with my daugther Béatrice (2013 is her birtyear, 8 yo now) when she'll be 18.

[JimHow]

Zachys has the 2019 Montrose for $135, that seems like a good price. I may buy a case. And don’t forget the La Dane de Montrose.

[Racer Chris]

I bought a sixer of 2019 La Dame.
The ‘05 Montrose is out of my reach so I will look forward to opening my bottle of 2014 in my ‘70s.

[greatbxfreak]

Jim,

I'll taste it in two weeks time at the property.

[JimHow]

Looking forward to your report, GBF, someone named Jane Anson scores it 98 points.

[Gerry M.]

I have various vintages from 1989 thru 2016 but alas that's where it will end. I do intend to pick up La Dame going forward to give me a shot at enjoying before I go. Tasting 1989 & 1990 side by side was a real treat a few years ago while still infants.

[PghMike]

Jim,

I'll taste it in two weeks time at the property.

Did you get to taste the 2019 Montrose? Was thinking about picking up some more of this one.

[JimHow]

I bought six bottles en futuro for $134 at Zachy’s.

[greatbxfreak]

Jim and PghMike

Tasted 2020, 2019, 2017, 2016 and 2001 at the property in November this year.

2019 is superb Montrose but I believe 2020 will edge it, 2017 and 2016 are excellent and 2001 is a bit different from the younger vintages but still a splendid one. There was a change of the owner in 2006.

Agree on 2005 Montrose. Tasted it 5.5 years ago and it was a stupendous wine worth all the 97 points I rated it with.

[Musigny 151]

Montrose should have been a first growth. It has all the hallmarks, quality and distinctiveness. For me, the main problem in some of the old vintages, is the Brett. I think they must have cleaned it up in the mid nineties, as none of my notes subsequent to that show any notes.

[JimHow]

Amen my brother. Montrose is an outstanding property.

[greatbxfreak]

Musigny151,

Tasted 1990 Montrose four times, last time in December 2016. Phenomenal wine. Slightly bretty on two occasions but it quickly disappeared.

[Musigny 151]

Izak,
When I have good examples, they are mostly in Europe. The theory is that some semi dormant Brett exists in the wine, and some fluctuation in temperature during the voyage set it off.