1945 Château Montrose
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Tasting notes
Tasted at the Montrose vertical in London, the 1945 Montrose may have been born in a victorious and lionized growing season, yet the estate had had no time to recover from the trauma of the war and being a prime target for Allied bombers. Compared to the 1947 Montrose, it appears even more youthful in color: clean with just a thin tawny rim giving away its age. The bouquet is well defined with scents of red berry fruit, black truffle, woodland leaves and a touch of brown spice. The delineation here is fine, if not otherworldly. The palate is balanced with impressive, clean and pure red fruit, yet somehow conservative and controlled, a little curtailed on the finish. I was actually more taken with this than Hervé Berland who liked succeeding vintages. It is not the best 1945 on the block, but it passes muster. Tasted June 2016.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Neal Martin, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Served on its own, this wine should knock anyone’s socks off. The only problem was that it was served in the same flight as the quite stunning wines from the 1920s. Very deep, healthy-looking – looks much healthier and richer than the 1947, 1948 or 1949. Pure and fresh fruit (the same sort of quality and character as the 1959). Bursting with health and perfume. Subtle with a peacock’s tail of emerging layers of flavour. Very complete, it opened up in the glass. The tannins are still quite dry but it was great with food – long and lively – a great wine overshadowed by the 1928 and 1929. (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 .