2005 CHÂTEAU MONTROSE 2ème Cru Classé Saint Estèphe

Dark and chewy and much sweeter and less rigorous than usual. Perhaps because the tannins are so exceptionally ripe. Deep and dense with very fine depth - more lift than the samples of Cos tasted, though perhaps not the sheer density and solidity. Very fine dry mouthful. Fine tannins. Quite sinewy. Very nice neat refreshing though far from obtrusive acidity. Very fine and the power is relatively well hidden. The infamous IPT (tannin index) was apparently even higher here than a Cos - though perhaps we don't want to get into a competition in this respect. 2017-30   18.5

A very focused nose with blackberry, cherry and raspberry - superb delineation and refinement. The nose adopts a wild strawberry note with aeration in the glass. The palate is very concentrated, quite toasty and more supple than usual. Very harmonious with blackberry and a touch of tobacco. Relatively feminine and approachable with a lovely fresh finish. Very long. Excellent.   22/25

Pre-bottling tasting:- Fashioned from a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the 2005 Montrose exhibits huge tannin, powerful floral, blueberry, and cassis flavors, and more weight as well as richness than last year. While surprisingly high in alcohol (13.2%) for a Montrose, that component is nicely balanced by the high tannin and decent acidity. This blockbuster will need a decade or more of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2040+.   94-96/100

The big news in Bordeaux is the potential sale (it had not been finalized at the time of publication) of Chateau Montrose. The 2005 Montrose does not quite measure up to the 2003, but it is a beautiful effort. A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc as well as a dollop of Petit Verdot, it possesses an inky/blue/purple color in addition to a sweet, provocative nose of creme de cassis, crushed rocks, graphite, and subtle wood. Medium to full-bodied, elegant yet powerful, fresh, and nuanced, the acids are higher and the pH lower in 2005 than in 2002. The 2005 should be a long-lived classic, but patience will be required despite the relatively high alcohol (13.2%), which is counterbalanced by some of the highest tannins ever measured. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2035.   92-94/100

Raspberries, currants and spices on the nose. Full-bodied, with a very focused palate of fruit and fine tannins. Fresh finish. Long. Racy wine.   92-94/100

Big colour, big gutsy full-bodied, spicy Saint-Estephe, rich and earthy with robust fruit. Drink 2009-18.   ***/16

Regisseur Philippe de Laguarigue describes the 2005 vintage as "like 2004 but with more of everything." (a blend of 65% cabernet sauvignon, 31% merlot, 3.5% cabernet franc and 0.5% petit verdot) Good full ruby-red. Brooding aromas of blueberry, black raspberry, licorice, bitter chocolate and violet. Juicy, gripping and tightly wound, with its very firm structure currently hiding its mid-palate flesh. But very subtle and long, with captivating floral and mineral notes on the finish. This was positively explosive as it opened in the glass, showing increasing texture and sweetness. The crop level of 44 hectoliters per hectare was down about 30% from that of 2004, according to Laguarigue. This will have a good 30+ years of life in bottle, but will need at least a decade of cellaring.   92-95/100