2005 Montrose
By Chateau Montrose
2005 Montrose from Chateau Montrose, St-Estephe, Bordeaux
A beacon amongst the vinous landscapes of Bordeaux, the 2005 Montrose from Chateau Montrose embodies the sheer brilliance of the St-Estephe terroir—crowned by a vintage that continues to resonate through the annals of time. Having closely tracked the remarkable ascension of this particularly prodigious year, it becomes ever so clear why the 2005 vintage has anchored itself firmly within the hearts of fine wine investors and collectors alike.
A Vintage Distinct in Poise and Power
The year 2005 was heralded for its near-perfect climatic conditions: an optimal blend of warm days and cool nights, which meticulously ripened the grapes while preserving their coveted acidity. It is this harmonic confluence that sculpted a wine of profound structure and longevity. Acknowledged as one of the standouts from an already exceptional vintage, the 2005 Montrose is a testament to the esteemed winemaking prowess found at Chateau Montrose.
An Investment Jewel in the Crown
This wine's investment potential is emblematic, with a towering composition of Cabernet Sauvignon augmented by Merlot's succulent fleshiness, and harmonised with Petit Verdot's vigour. The lengthy cuvaison and judicious maturation in oak barrels have fostered a tapestry of complex aromatics; notes of blackcurrant, pipe tobacco, and graphite, interwoven with an earthy minerality that echoes the quintessence of St-Estephe.
In palate presence, the 2005 Montrose exerts a regal authority—a powerful yet refined tannin framework portends sublime ageing potential. With each passing year, it unfurls incrementally, revealing layers heretofore nested within its brooding depths.
Elevated amidst its peers for its precision and balance, this Montrose edition provides a compelling narrative for wine enthusiasts and investors—an opportunity to hold not just a bottle but a slice of Bordeaux's storied viticultural legacy.
Connoisseur's Summary: 2005 Montrose – A Vintage Perennial
The remarkable story told by the 2005 Montrose from Chateau Montrose is one written in perpetual ink on the palimpsest of great Bordeaux vintages. Each sip invites a contemplative pause—a moment to appreciate that within its ruby confines lies not just a beverage but history and heritage imbibed. As both a hedonistic treasure and a sagacious asset, this Montrose vintage offers a dual proposition of immense pleasure and prudent investment.
Market price (GBP)
£1,550.00
12x75cl
Highest score
97
POP score
91.18
Scores and tasting notes
Tasted at the vertical in London, the 2005 Montrose came and delivered the goods. This was the best example of the 2005 that I have tasted, perhaps a wine that is going to prove that, the longer wine lovers can resist temptation. It is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 3.5% Cabernet Franc and .5% Petit Verdot picked between 23 September and 9 October. The bouquet is extremely detailed, displaying more red berry fruit compared to the 2010 Montrose that leans towards black. Graphite and cedar emerge with time, even an unusual floral scent that is uncommon with respect to this property, whilst all the time retaining fantastic focus and delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with a ferrous tincture on the entry. There are the first signs of secondary notes (dried leaves and bay leaf), but it is the tannic backbone and the precision that really defines this Montrose at the moment. For certain, it is masculine and structured, yet it has enormous potential, perhaps more than was suggested when it was first released? This is for the long term, but you know that already. Tasted June 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 31 March 2017
Tasted at BBR’s 2005/2009 tasting in London. This has a superb nose with redcurrant, cranberry, limestone, a hint of cedar and graphite all very finely tuned. Intense rather than powerful. The palate is medium-bodied with a chalky entry, good acidity and tension, a firm masculine structure typical of Montrose with a terse grippy finish, sous-bois lingering beautifully in the mouth. Superb. Tasted July 2011.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jan 2012
In 2005, a very serious drought year stressed most vineyards in Bordeaux, which are all dry-farmed. The volume of rainfall was less than half the average of the previous 30 years. The clay subsoils at Montrose have always played a major role in not only dry years, but also in extremely hot ones, such as 2003, as they retain more moisture. The grapes were harvested between September 23 and October 9. This is a very powerful, full-bodied wine that is quite tannic, but the tannins are relatively velvety. The wine is rich, complex, majestic, multi-dimensional and also avoids any of the austerity that some 2005s possess. It has done quite well in its bottle evolution and should turn out to be a great Montrose, capable of lasting 30 to 50 years.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #214 Aug 2014
What wonderful nose of minerals, spices, dried flowers and currants. Full and dense, with lovely ripe fruit, yet reserved and telling you that there is so much more to come. Give it at least three to four more years of bottle age. This is just a baby. Tannic!
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, February 20th 2011