Chateau Montrose Saint Estephe 2011 - 750ml

94pts Decanter

This is classic Montrose that is a little firm and nanny-ish at this point, although as it opens in the glass you see a generosity to the fruit coming to the fore, with sweet blueberry and raspberry notes.

94pts Wine Enthusiast

As so often with Montrose, this is a powerful, concentrated and very structured wine. Dense tannins are paired with rich black fruits, although at this stage the wine also has a sense of austerity. Power, severity and complexity all make for a wine for long aging. Wait until 2019.

93pts Wine Spectator

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.

92pts James Suckling

This is a tannic, chewy Montrose with lots of spice, berry and earth character. Full body, chewy and fruity. Intense tannins.

90pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Tasted at the château, the 2011 Montrose is a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot picked between 2-27 September. The nose does not possess the exuberance of the 2008, a little conservative and lacking personality by comparison. It does repay aeration though and after some time, there are attractive cold stone/limestone notes that begin to emerge. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, grippy tannin. It is a solid Montrose, quite stout, perhaps not the greatest fun you will ever have with a Claret, yet with admirable depth on the lightly spiced, cedar-infused finish. Whilst I prefer the 2008 Montrose, the 2011 is a decent off-vintage that should offer 20 years of drinking pleasure. Tasted September 2016.

Winemaker Notes

A fine and elegant robe, with beautiful intense and dark garnet. The nose, powerful and harmonious, is pleasantly woody. Aerated, it reveals lightly toasted aromas, followed with hints of ripe fruits and licorice. The palate is full and soft with tight tannins and a light sweetness. The after-taste is long and harmonious.
Blend: 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot