Château Montrose, La Dame de Montrose, Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, 2014

Overview of the Wine
Established as a Second Growth in the 1855 classification, Chateau Montrose enjoys an exceptional geographical situation in Saint-Estèphe, facing the Gironde estuary. Its 95-hectare (235-acre) vineyard thus benefits from the moderating influence of the vast water mass nearby during very hot summers and harsh winters. The vineyard is in a single sweep, a rare and priceless advantage in the region. The soil, consisting of deep gravel over clay, favours natural drainage and ensures that the vines benefit from a slow and regular water supply from the water reserves in the subsoil.

An extensive renovation program with very strict environmental objectives has been carried out at the estate since it was acquired by Martin and Olivier Bouygues in 2006, reflecting the new owners’ determination to perpetuate the quality of the wine and make Chateau Montrose a model of skilled winemaking and sustainable development.

Under the direction of Hervé Berland since 2012, the estate has 68 employees in the vineyard and winery, all of whom share the same philosophy: respect for the terroir and a constant quest for excellence. That philosophy is manifested in meticulous vineyard practices, very precise parcel selection and use of only the best grapes to make the premium wine, Chateau Montrose.

The other qualities are used to make the second wine, La Dame de Montrose, and the third wine, Le Saint-Estèphe de Montrose.

Grape / Blend
50% Merlot, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon

Origin
St. Estephe, Bordeaux, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Pagodes de Cos comes from a clearly defined terroir and is developing its own personality. Velvety, fresh and fruity, the wine charms from the outset while already showing the structure of a Grand Vin. Its attractive mineral character gives it smoothness, and it expresses the richness of its terroir with great delicacy.

93 Points - Wine Enthusiast 
The wine is powerful with fine tannins and concentrated black fruits. The dense texture is lifted by the acidity and beautiful fruit of the vintage. The tannins are dusty, tight and surrounded by beautiful fruit and acidity. This, the second wine of Montrose, will develop surely over the next several years. Drink from 2024.

93 Points - James Suckling
What a nose for a second wine! Lovely cassis and delicately leafy/earthy aromas. It’s a rare beast: a really mineral red Bordeaux. This has excellent balance of ripeness and fresh dry tannins and acidity. Long, clean finish.

90 Points - Decanter
A 50/50 Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon blend: lots of spice, deep cassis fruit and incredible freshness. Will show soon and last well

90 Points - Wine Spectator
Offers a brisk, racy feel, with red currant, damson plum and Campari notes coursing through, carried by a bright iron spine through the savory-flecked finish. Very pure and firmly grounded in terroir. Best from 2018 through 2026. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.

90 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
As to the 2014s, these are beautiful wines and certainly a match for the 2015s. The 2014 La Dame de Montrose offers a deep purple color and classic Cabernet Sauvignon notes as well as a touch of violets, spring flowers and leafy herbs. This medium-bodied, elegant, spicy, complex 2014 has loads of charm yet should keep nicely for 15+ years. 

Product size: 750ml