1996 Château Montrose
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Tasting notes
As with the 1982, the colour is starting to soften and brick around the edges, but the main body of the wine remains a deep plum. A reminder once again of how brilliant the 1996 classified Médocs are right now. It is gentle, with caressing tobacco and campfire notes and the signature cassis and blackberry of Montrose. The finesse and the juicy, mouthwatering finish is so impressive, growing in intensity as it comes in waves through the palate. This is peak Montrose, in a year that was generous in its yields, if not quite as much as the 1982, but well over 45hl/h. Not huge amounts left at the estate now, as these were the years when almost everything sold En Primeur, up to 95% of production. Harvest September 23 to October 6.
Critic scores
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Tasted at the vertical in London, I have instead used the tasting note from a bottle opened at the property when I visited just a couple of weeks later. The 1996 Montrose is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot picked between 23 September and 6 October. It was served alongside the 1986 Montrose, however, this is a far better wine and reconfirms Robert Parker's remarks at his own vertical at the property in 2014. For me, it is that loamy character that defines the nose—freshly tilled, damp soil that tinctures the black fruit —that takes you straight to this particular château. This is classic through and through and very well defined. The palate is wonderful with very fine delineation, pitch-perfect acidity, touches of graphite infusing the red and black fruit that dovetails into a very pretty, floral finish. This is clearly one of the great wines of the 1996 vintage and I would be stocking up as much as I could, because it will give 30-40 years of pleasure. Tasted July 2016.
Served blind. Mid ruby with lots of evolution at the rim. Very mature and nicely sweet and evolved, with the acidity and light to medium body of 1985. But no, it’s a 1996! Hervé Berland admits it looks older than it is. One of Martin Bouyges’ favourite vintages. (JR)
About the producer
Ch. Montrose is one of two Second Growths from Saint-Estèphe and one of the most consistent producers in Bordeaux. The wines from this property are both elegant and powerful, and some of the Médoc's most age-worthy .