Chateau Montrose   Montrose

2008 Montrose

By Chateau Montrose

2008 Montrose from Chateau Montrose, St-Estephe, Bordeaux, France

The 2008 vintage from Chateau Montrose arrives like a storied hero, matured gracefully amidst the complexities and adversities of a particularly challenging year for Bordeaux. Each sip of this glorious vintage whispers stories of perseverance and reward from a region often hailed as one with the most exquisite terroirs in the world. As a treasure hunter of sorts, unearthing vinous diamonds from the soil, this 2008 offering is a testament to the resilience and supremacy of Bordeaux's St-Estephe appellation.

 

A Vintage of Patience and Precision

The 2008 Montrose emerges in a time when the Bordelais were met with capricious climatic conditions—yielding an initial struggle, yet followed by an auspicious late-summer reprieve that guided the grapes to their quintessential expression. This particular harvest from Chateau Montrose distinguishes itself with its refined balance, marrying the boldness revered in St-Estephe wines with an unexpected poise and depth brought forth by the coolness of this climactic roller coaster of a year.

 

Eloquence in the Glass: A Sensorial Symphony

As we decant this 2008 Montrose, we're greeted by an opulent aroma of dark fruits interlaced with earthy undertones and rich oak—a promise of finesse well kept. On the palate, one finds a harmonious assemblage where cassis, plums, and tobacco notes sing a choral symphony, supported by firm yet polished tannins that signal impeccable ageing potential. Slackening into a long, delightful finish, this wine solidifies its position as an investable asset for fine wine enthusiasts.

Indeed, investing in this 2008 Montrose is not just an addition to one's cellar but also contributes to the prestige that accompanies balanced vintages emerging from trying times. Its quiet confidence and structured complexity serve as both a hallmark of excellent winemaking and Mother Nature's fickle whims while providing a captivating narrative set to evolve with further cellaring.

In closing, this 2008 Montrose from Chateau Montrose stands at the cusp of full maturity—making it not only an enticing option for imminent indulgence but also a worthy icon for discerning collectors looking to add depth to their portfolios. For those who savour ties to heritage and evolution in their liquid investments, this offering promises both cosmopolitan appeal and classic verity.

Market price (CAD)

$1,464.58

12x75cl

Highest score

95

POP score

58.67

Scores and tasting notes

95

One of the superstars of the vintage, this classic Montrose is not as showy or opulent as the 2010, 2009 or 2003, but it offers a dense purple color followed by gorgeously sweet black raspberry and black currant fruit intermixed with loamy, earthy, forest floor notes, a floral component and a long, full-bodied finish. The 2008 was fashioned from yields of 44 hectoliters per hectare which is slightly less than the 2010's 45 hectoliters per hectare. Forget it for 5-8 years and drink it over the following 20+.

Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #194 May 2011

94

I impressed with the purity of fruit and ultra-fine tannins in this wine. It’s full bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, long finish. Sexy and refined. Ends with spices and berries. Fascinating for the vintage. Chewy. Better after 2014.

James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, December 20th 2010

94

Tasted at the château, the 2008 Montrose is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot picked between 29 September and 15 October. It has a far superior bouquet compared to the underperforming 2006 with black fruit, minerals, fern and briary. It is very composed, almost understated, yet clearly with great potential. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannin, a fine line of acidity, powerful for the finish but with impressive mineralité and tension on the persistence finish. It is quite an audacious 2008 and one of the finest wines of the vintage. Tasted September 2016.

Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 31 March 2017

93

Tasted ex-chateau and single blind in Southwold. I was originally a little mean in my score when tasted blind, but the longer I left this in the glass the more it seemed to blossom. There is a fine sense of transparency on the nose with crushed stone underneath those pure black fruits that soars. It exudes very well integrated, high quality new oak on the medium-bodied palate. Quite succulent with ripe tannins, a little more open than many Montroses at this early juncture, but undeniably very well crafted with touches of black pepper on the finish. Tasted January 2012.

Neal Martin - Wine Journal Mar 2012

Vintage performance