2011 Montrose
By Chateau Montrose
2011 Montrose from Château Montrose, St-Estephe, Bordeaux
The 2011 Montrose from Château Montrose is a particularly interesting study, born of a year that tested the resolve and skill of Bordeaux vignerons. The growing season kicked off with aplomb, promising a certain lushness before turning cantankerous with abrupt climate shifts. This vintage has emerged as one teeming with personality; an eloquent orator of both its provenance and the meticulous stewardship it underwent.
Unwavering Elegance Amidst Climatic Capriciousness
Despite the somewhat mercurial nature of 2011's weather in St-Estephe, the 2011 Montrose exhibits a brilliance that savvy wine investors will appreciate. It reveals the artistry with which Château Montrose navigated the hazardous vintage to coax out a wine of balance and structure. Radiating an aura of insouciant grace under pressure, this offering has all the hallmarks of its esteemed lineage - deep in colour and complexity.
A Vintage Demanding Recognition
This rendition resonates with dark fruit aromas, underscored by a characteristic minerality - an homage to the deep gravelly soils typical of the region. Notes of cassis, plum, and tobacco ensnare the olfactory senses before leading to an encounter on the palate marked by precision and taut tannins. The enduring finish corroborates its potential for ageing gracefully within one's fine wine portfolio.
Whether approached with the eye of an investor seeking to diversify with compelling vintages or by aficionados chasing singular enological escapades, the 2011 Montrose stands as a testament to resilience and virtuosity.
Cultivating Connoisseurship and Capital Gains
For those collectors tuned to underrated vintages that high-stake players too often overlook, the virtues of the 2011 harvest present both a tantalizing narrative to cherish and a sage investment. Vibrant yet mature, challenging yet rewarding, the 2011 Montrose offers a layered epicurean experience while remaining primed for future value appreciation in any cultivated cellar or investment collection.
Each sip tells an intriguing tale of climatic challenges adeptly turned to captivating advantages - a sophisticated symphony from Château Montrose meant for those who can interpret its complex notes.
Market price (GBP)
£740.00
12x75cl
Highest score
92
POP score
61.67
Scores and tasting notes
This is a tannic, chewy Montrose with lots of spice, berry and earth character. Full body, chewy and fruity. Intense tannins. Try in 2018 when the tannins soften.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, February 19th 2014
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.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 31 March 2017
A blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot cropped between 2nd and 27th September at 35hl/ha, the 2011 Montrose has a lighter nose than the 2010 when tasted last year, but that is to be expected. My sample in March exhibited scents of blackberry, dark chocolate and pencil lead whilst returning to the property two weeks later, there is an animally element to the aromatics, even hints of clove. The palate is medium-bodied with dusty tannins on the entry, though they appear a rounder two weeks later. It is struck through by its crisp acidity and yet it remains an introspective, masculine Montrose with an unreserved graphite, tertiary finish. In 2011, I find this Montrose to be well crafted and yet somehow, difficult to love.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2012
The dark ruby/purple-colored, slightly austere and angular 2011 Montrose possesses a more masculine style with firm tannin, medium body, and cassis, black currant and earth notes. The wine tails off slightly on the palate leaving an acidic, tangy character. It will benefit from several more years of cellaring, and should last for 15+ years thereafter.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #212 Apr 2014