Chateau Montrose   Montrose

2001 Montrose

By Chateau Montrose

2001 Montrose from Chateau Montrose, St-Estephe, Bordeaux

The turn of the millennium brought about a crescendo of excellence in Bordeaux, with the 2001 vintage standing as one of its most laudatory compositions. Amidst this symphonic year, the 2001 Montrose from Chateau Montrose notably distinguishes itself—a true chorus of complexity and depth.

 

A Year of Graceful Power

In the exalted terroir of St-Estephe, the 2001 growing season flirted with perfection. Following a benevolent winter and spring, Bordeaux welcomed a summer that conjured both vigour and balance in the fruit. The 2001 Montrose encapsulates these attributes through a microcosm of Mother Nature's most serendipitous moments. It emerges two decades later not merely as a wine but as a narrative imbued with layers of dark fruit, tobacco and graphite—all eloquently coalesced by astute craftsmanship.

 

An Architectural Achievement

A well-structured ensemble of predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot and a dash of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the 2001 vintage from Chateau Montrose exhibits an architectural finesse. Its tannins have mellowed imperceptibly over time while maintaining their formidable framework—a marvellous embodiment showcasing the opulent potential for sustained cellaring in sophisticated wine investment portfolios.

Investors in fine wines will appreciate the substantial acclaim awarded to this poised vintage. Gallantly balanced with poised acidity and refined tannins, this Montrose strolls confidently across the palate. Rewarding the aficionado with an ensemble of bramble, leather and a whiff of cedar box aromatics that enhance its splendid bouquet, it is a triumphant testament to its storied origin.

In sum, those discerning investors seeking to enhance their collection would do well to consider the 2001 Montrose from Chateau Montrose as an exemplar addition. Its stately evolution over two decades testifies to its worthiness as both a liquid asset and hedonistic treasure, gracefully unraveling its storytelling melange sip by evolutionary sip.

Current market price

£1,430.00

12x75cl

Highest score

95

POP score

95.33

Scores and tasting notes

95

Tasted blind at Bordeaux Index's 10-Year On horizontal. This has a very deep garnet core. The nose is very broody and introspective with tightly coiled earthy black fruits, opening to offer limestone, graphite and cooked meat. Good delineation and complexity. The palate is medium-bodied, very classic in style with dry grippy tannins and graphite infused black fruits. Firm backbone, very Pauillac in style with great definition and length on the finish. It has the edge over Cos d'Estournel this year. Tasted March 2011.

Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2011

93

Tasted at the château, the 2001 Montrose is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot picked between 24 September and 9 October. It has quite a tightly wound bouquet that either needs a hefty decant or preferably, another 5-6 years in bottle. The scents that can be coaxed are attractive: blackberry, a touch of tar and pencil box, later Indian ink and cedar wood. The palate is medium-bodied with gently gripping tannin, a fine line of acidity and impressive harmony. This gains complexity towards the finish. Tensile, minerally and edgy, this is becoming a highly pleasurable Montrose that will surprise a few people. Sure, it does lack some persistence, however, keep an eye on this. Tasted September 2016.

Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 31 March 2017

91

Sweet notes of earth, compost, and thick, juicy black currant as well as cherry characteristics jump from the glass of this dense purple-colored 2001. Medium-bodied and rich, with moderately high tannin as well as surprising power and density, it is the most backward St.-Estephe of the vintage. A blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, it requires 5-6 years of cellaring, and should drink well for 15-16.

Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #153 June 2004

Vintage performance